See Right Through It

Trendspotting
Transparent Bags

In reality, if you had to carry around a see-through plastic bag with all the contents of your handbag, people may assume your actual bag has suffered some sort of drink spill somewhere or, that you're homeless. However, put a designer name onto that plastic bag and voila, you're an instant trendsetter! Transparent bags have become quite the style statement over the past year. Let's delve further into this translucent trend.

On The Runway

It all began where most trends do - on the runways of top notch designers during fashion week. For Spring/Summer 2013, Valentino and Jenny Packham presented clear coloured bags decked with studs and jewels. Stella McCartney sent down jewel toned box bags while Chanel ensured their version displayed their world famous insignia. Fendi introduced transparent panels to their tri-coloured totes. Simone Rocha, Marc Jacobs and Burberry saturated their see-through bags with vivid colour for a fun, youthful effect. As good as this trend looks on the catwalk, I have to assume it's because all the bags are completely empty.

See-Through Street Style Inspiration

The trend then spread like wildfire across the world's fashion capitals and beyond, seen on the arms of socialites, models, fashion week groupies, bloggers, editors and stylists. Each of them allowing photographers and the general public a glimpse into their clear clutches. A pair of sunglasses, an iPhone, all important press passes and some form of Chanel makeup is always seen peeking through these plastic purses. I assume that one has to carefully and fashion-consciously edit the content of their bags when opting for transparency. 

This is how the see-through trend has been worn in true street style...

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 *All street style images found via Tumblr, Vogue.com, Harpers Bazaar.com, Fashion Telegraph.co.uk and Style.com

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Celebrity Translucent Trendsetters

The see-through bag trend hasn't caught on to Hollywood as much as it has the rest of world, with just a handful of celebrities seen carrying their plastic hopes and dreams around. I am guessing this is to avert crazy stalkers and maintain their privacy. And also to avoid the inquisitive masses with a cover of their bag's contents on People magazine.

Bella Thorne wears a youthful neon yellow Juicy Couture clutch with chain handle. Sienna Miller carries a peach lined Charlotte Olympia perspex purse. Solange Knowles vivifies her look with a tangerine CC Skye lucite box bag.

Elisabeth Moss holds on to a Charlotte Olympia 'Pandora' perspex clutch. British model Abbey Clancy carries a see-through monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag. Olivia Palermo represents the high street with an orange tinted Zara minaudiere.

Get With The Trend

Try on the transparency trend with these pellucid online picks. A bright hued clutch will add a vibrant dash of colour to your outfit, whilst slightly shading in your bag's constituents. If you're the fashion-forward type, go all out and wear a clear clutch, where you will be guaranteed to make a few curious heads turn as you walk by, all eager to see what's inside your trendy tote.

Do you Adore or Abhor the Transparent Bag Trend?
Would you be comfortable letting the rest of world see what you carry in your bag?