While you’ve probably noticed by now, the bowling-bag silhouette has really taken off over the past few seasons, and the Ferragamo Hug Bag is one of the styles leading the charge. I’ve spotted it on the arms of some of the chicest celebrities and influencers, and it’s fair to say I’ve been influenced. A little about me: I’m a Gen Z (a spry 26-year-old) fashion editor, and I’m on the hunt for my first luxury handbag purchase.
Since my youth, I’ve been surrounded by young adults who have impeccable style and look like they have it all together. They’re stylish and successful, and the one item that they wear that embodies that success in my mind is a luxury handbag. Ferragamo’s designs remind me of those fabulous bags I see on the women I admire—especially the brand’s popular Hug Bag. Now, I’m at that age where it just makes sense to have one good luxury handbag for everyday use. I’m usually the slouchy-leather-bag type, but I want something a bit more polished and grown-up at this point in my life.
The Ferragamo Hug Bag has been on my mind, in my cart, and all over my Instagram feed for the past few weeks, mainly because the bowling-bag silhouette has risen in popularity this year. The shape of the bag is sleek, with a top handle and a very spacious base. It’s a modern, elegant take on a style we’re all familiar with. Prior to this resurgence, the bowling-bag trend was popular in the early aughts, with Prada’s S/S 00 collection, in particular, making it a thing. Now, the trend is back in full force, and fashion people are all over it (including me).
In searching for a luxury bag, I’m aiming to emulate the women I grew up with, like my mom and aunties, who worked hard, taught me about fashion and style, and every now and then, treated themselves. These women are my pillars for style inspiration just as much as they are for good character. (In hindsight, trying out the Hug Bag was kismet based on the product name alone.) So I reached out to the Ferragamo team to test the four-figure bag ($3200) and took it for a spin throughout NYC to see if it’s a Gen Z–friendly bag.
(Image credit: Kerane Marcellus)
The Stats
Brand: Ferragamo
Model: Hug Bag (M)
Materials: Calfskin (thick and durable calf leather)
Color: Midnight Blue
Hardware: Golden-finish Gancini buckles
Comes with: Dust bag
Measurements: Height 8.6 in x Length 12.4 in x Width 7.4 in
My Ferragamo Hug Bag Review
The look and feel of this bag definitely live up to its price point. It’s a structured shape with a strong top handle and spacious body. The buckles at the front have a yellow-gold finish, and the “arms” wrap around the sides, mimicking a hug. The calfskin leather of the bag I tried has a pebbled but soft texture to it and is of noticeably high quality, which adds to the luxurious look and feel of the bag. I requested a size medium and wanted to go with the darkest shade that wasn’t black, so I chose Midnight Blue, which would pair well with my existing wardrobe.
It wears gorgeously with a dressy outfit but also dresses up a casual look. Since it’s still warm in the city, I was running around in a tank top and lightweight pants and flats or sandals. The bag instantly elevated these outfits. I received compliments on the bag multiple times each day I wore it. Other fashion people would clock that the bag was Ferragamo and instantly swoon. (I did the same when I first unpacked it in the office.) Since I tried the medium size, I wasn’t taking it out for work but instead for small errands like shopping for groceries, meeting friends after work for a wholesome park or dinner hangout, and even a dentist appointment in the morning. If I had a gala event or a ballet or orchestra performance to attend, I could definitely wear the bag with my dresses.
If you’re a working Gen Zer and need more space in your bag for work or while running errands, then I’d recommend the largest size, as it comes with a longer shoulder strap. The large bag’s dimensions should also fit a laptop, among other things. The medium, though, is a lovely size for days when you don’t need your laptop. It holds all my other daily essentials: a clunky portable charger, sunglasses, a disposable camera, etc. There’s also a small gold-plated zip-up pouch on the inside for holding credit cards and tiny items that can get lost in such a spacious bag.
(Image credit: Kerane Marcellus)
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the bag is worth the price if you want an everyday bag that is just as high-quality as it is stylish. As a Gen Zer, I highly recommend it if you have the means and want to treat yourself. I would purchase this bag based on the quality alone. I also love that the innovative design isn’t too trendy but rather forward and tasteful. It’s a style that’s timeless enough to evolve with my wardrobe as I grow older and as my style matures away from trend-heavy silhouettes.
The Ferragamo Hug Bag will stand the test of time. Those influential women in my life I mentioned before still have those fabulous luxury bags they bought before I could even walk. The Hug Bag feels like it’d be that kind of bag for me.
Pros: Durable material, high-quality leather, spacious size pairs well with everything, timeless design
Shop Ferragamo Hug Bags
Ferragamo
Hug Handbag in Midnight Blue
FERRAGAMO
Medium Hug Handbag in Light Camel/Gold
FERRAGAMO
Medium Hug Handbag in Flame Red
FERRAGAMO
Medium Suede Hug Handbag in Brown
FERRAGAMO
Medium Hug Handbag in Stone
FERRAGAMO
Medium Hug Suede Shoulder Bag in Concrete
FERRAGAMO
Hug Denim Shoulder Bag
FERRAGAMO
Hug Small Leather Top Handle Bag in Nero
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