The key shape from Kamali’s debut collection, a soft leather bag with gold hardware named the Bracelet, borrowed inspiration from the 1960s bags favored by hippies in the counterculture era. The word hobo references the bindle bags carried by migrant workers at the turn of the last century, and perhaps the term hobo needs a rebrand—stylist Brie Welch recommends “sling” or “crescent” as an alternative.
Since its return to the fashion conversation, the slouchy bag has shown no signs of slowing, as evidenced on the fall 2026 runways, where the silhouette took on a more polished and mature air. Gucci offered an exaggerated take on its soft Jackie 1961 silhouette, while Miu Miu revived the archival Rendez-Vous bag and Chanel softened its structured shoulder styles with supple quilted leather and chain-link straps. Whether in black calfskin, rich brown suede, or bold animal prints, these laid-back designs strike the elusive balance between sophistication and nonchalance—no wonder they make for such a versatile work-to-weekend choice.
Beyond Chloé, plenty of luxury brands have tapped into the revival—turning their luxe takes into core shapes. “The Row is unsurprisingly nailing the style with its Bindle and Blake bags. I also love Khaite’s Lotus tote for a twist on the design, and Bottega’s Hop feels like the ultimate luxe version,” Burke continues. Within her own collection, Welch is fond of more approachably-priced iterations. “I have a more crescent-shaped style from Rag & Bone that I use often for its ability to be totally hands-free as a crossbody,” she says.
So what does Welch find appealing about the return of an early-aughts icon once made famous by Sienna Miller and Kate Moss? “The functionality!” she says. “Their shape contours to your body while generally having a wide and zippered opening to allow easy access.” Similarly, Burke is also a fan of the utility of the often-oversized style. “I love a carryall that can fit my laptop and all the things I need for the day, but traditional ‘work bags’ are usually more on the structured side,” she explains. “A hobo style balances a relaxed, casual feel with the functionality of something more serious.”
No matter which you choose or what you call it, this bag isn’t a mere trend, but a timeless style to round out your rotation. “Functionality always ends up reigning supreme,” Welch says, “but there is also a simplicity to the bag which I think resonates with wanting to invest in timeless pieces.”
