The bucket bag takes its name from its shape: a wide, cylindrical body with a round base that narrows at the top, closed by a drawstring or toggle. The silhouette originated with Louis Vuitton's Noé in 1932, designed to carry five bottles of champagne — and the LV Noé remains the benchmark of the style.
Modern bucket bags span from structured leather to soft suede, tiny to oversized. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bag in polished leather brought the style back into the mainstream in the mid-2010s and remains a reference point.
Drawbacks of the Bucket Bag
The drawstring opening can make it difficult to locate items inside, especially in darker colours or without interior organisation. Many collectors add a small pouch or insert to structure the interior. If you keep your bags organised or prefer accessibility, a bag with a zip or flap closure may be more practical.