As a media mogul running a billion-dollar empire, Rihanna is always on the go. She most definitely needs a bag that can sustain the crushing weight of being everyone’s favorite superstar, so it’s no wonder the 35-year-old was seen out and about in New York City with an over-glorified “clutch” bag.
Rihanna is wearing a fresh-off-the-runway spring 2024 Bottega Veneta bag, which is, of course, recognized as a clutch bag, but at what point do we question the definition of clutch? (She is most definitely clutching it between her forearm and body rather than comfortably in her hand.)
This past season alone, we’ve seen the re-emergence of oversized, lived-in purses. Begone tiny, lip gloss-only carrying bags! Miu Miu and Bottega showcased that this season, having overflowing bags walking down the runway with many miscellaneous items falling out the seams. (Also, never forget the iconically well-used and slightly beaten-up Birkin bags consistently worn by the Olsen twins.)
With Rihanna’s latest stance in the fashion trend, we can clearly see utilitarian bags (or clutches) taking over, collectively causing arm pains and questionable stares from airport TSA. (Rihanna, we need confirmation if that “clutch” can even fit underneath your seat as a personal item — for us regular economy girlies, of course.)
The “Lift Me Up” singer welcomed her second child in August, and this was one of the first times we’ve seen her strolling around without either of her children or boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, in tow. For her solo night out, Rihanna wore a grey belted Dries Van Noten wool coat, black Balenciaga pantaleggings, and black Gucci sunglasses alongside the red Bottega Veneta clutch. The muted look next to the necessary pop of red is the perfect way to enliven a rather dark outfit. (She also added an extra touch of red with her manicure.)
While we still have no confirmation on the evolution of a clutch bag from handheld to forearm-loaded, we’re sure to see everyone rocking their own version of the look after seeing the queen of style wearing hers.
