If extravagance had a face, it would undoubtedly be Lady Gaga. The "Bad Romance" singer, known for her politically incorrect outfits, has a rather unconventional and often misunderstood fashion signature. Even though she strives for more simplicity in her street style, she always includes a fashion detail that reminds us of her nonconformist side. In recent appearances, she sported a battered bag and managed to popularize the look of worn-out bags.
A completely wrecked bag at your fingertips
Lady Gaga isn't afraid of boldness; she wears it with pride. Her style defies categorization: it belongs only to her. The platinum-haired singer has accustomed the public to vibrant, eccentric looks, made of improbable materials and cut in styles that only those in the know appreciate.
For some time now, the singer of “Poker Face” has toned things down a bit. She adds a touch of whimsy through quirky accessories. The singer, a proponent of expressive and provocative fashion, could have succumbed to the Labubu craze and offered her own interpretation of charms. But she never follows the crowd and sets trends in her own way.
Fresh from delivering an unforgettable performance at the Accor Arena, she stepped onto the pavement carrying a rather unusual bag. Its defining characteristic? It was completely disfigured. This bag, riddled with manufacturing defects, was the antithesis of the pristine bags she had once been known for. The finishing touch to an all-black, gothic-inspired look, this bag, bearing numerous marks of disfigurement, instantly became an object of desire.
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When signs of wear become chic
Lady Gaga now prefers bags marked by time to brand-new ones. Hers is a "Kelly" and bears the Hermès crest. This bag dates back to 2013 and openly displays its vintage charm. Like wine, bags seem to improve with age. At least, that's the new fashion commandment, proclaimed on the Fashion Week runways. While for a long time bags had to be immaculate, today they have more character when they show signs of wear. Stripes are far more fashionable patterns than snakeskin and quilted leather.
The more damaged the bag, the more character it has. And the major fashion houses didn't wait for Lady Gaga's approval to set the tone on the catwalk. During the Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Week , Chanel strayed from its iconic tweed bag to showcase a dented, metallic-hued model. Fendi, meanwhile, touted the merits of a bag riddled with scratches, with loose stitching and a sagging silhouette. The Attico offered a more edgy version, with a pink bag folded in on itself, its seams damaged.
How can we embrace this rebellious trend?
This unlikely trend, which goes against everything you've ever been taught, signals an era where bags once considered ugly are becoming beautiful. And you don't need to be Lady Gaga to carry a bag with a tired, worn look. If you have old bags gathering dust in your closets, it's high time to bring them out. To follow the distressed bag trend without veering into bad taste or looking sloppy, here are a few rules:
- Opt for a basic bag. Avoid the garish bags of the 2000s and choose a neutral bag in a versatile color. It's more elegant.
- Choose a bag that's naturally worn. No punching bags, jumping on them in high heels, or gratuitously torturing them. The wear and tear must be genuine, not fake.
- Opt for designer bags. Generally, you're more likely to keep a luxury bag, even if it changes over time and with your lifestyle. To maintain a sophisticated look with a vintage bag, make sure it bears a mark of prestige.
In an era of unstructured tops and oversized jeans, a worn bag makes perfect sense on your wrist. This year, fashion is more anarchic and less about perfection. And you'll be thrilled when you see your wardrobe.
