Fashion is built on trends, but lately, luxury brands seem to be capitalizing on what works – refining their own hits while taking cues from competitors. The result? A handbag market where it often feels like we’re seeing the same ideas reworked over and over.
Take the ruched drawstring pouch – a soft, gathered silhouette that’s usually free of large logos or hardware, and embraced by everyone from high-end names like Bottega Veneta, Loewe, and The Row to mid-tier contemporary labels and even high-street brands. Whether crafted from buttery leather or fabric alternatives, and priced anywhere from four figures to something more accessible, this bag style has proven its staying power.
But with so many variations, one question remains – who did it first? We’re taking a closer look at eight similar offerings, spanning a range of price points, all sharing a similar size, aesthetic, styling versatility, and appeal.
Bottega Veneta – Mini Pouch
Image courtesy: @soeur_paris
Loewe - Flamenco Purse
The Flamenco, a Loewe classic dating back to the 1970s, is recognized as one of the earliest design pouch-style bags. Revived in 2010 by then-creative director Stuart Vevers, the Flamenco was further refined in 2015 under Jonathan Anderson, who replaced the original tassels with the now-signature knotted drawstring detail.
Read also: 3 Most Coveted Loewe Bags
Boasting a soft, slouchy silhouette, the Flamenco Purse is crafted from buttery nappa calfskin and features a cinched closure with oversized knots. Subtle branding comes in the form of an embossed Anagram and Loewe heat stamp on the front, while a discreet magnetic closure secures the opening. Designed for versatility, the bag can be carried by hand or worn on the shoulder or crossbody, thanks to its detachable, adjustable strap, which secures from the inside of the bag. This style also comes with a removable gold donut chain strap, bringing a touch of polish to the design. Available in two sizes – Mini and Medium, the practical Medium size measures 7.8 x 11.8 x 4.1 inches.
Image courtesy: Loewe
Image courtesy: Loewe
Currently, Loewe offers the Medium Flamenco Purse in several colorways, from versatile neutrals like Sea Salt, Sand, Black, and Chocolate to bold hues like Light Pear and Deep Turquoise. The Medium Flamenco Purse retails for $3,990.
Bottega Veneta - Mini Pouch
Then came Bottega. Known for its signature Intrecciato woven leather, the brand pivoted toward a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic in Spring 2019. Under Daniel Lee’s direction, the house introduced the Mini Pouch, a design that feels unmistakably familiar…
Read also: Presenting Bottega Veneta’s Understated Iconic Bags
Much like Loewe’s Flamenco Clutch, Bottega’s Mini Pouch embraces the slouchy, ruched silhouette, but with a more structured approach, thanks to its hinged-frame opening. Another key difference? The Mini Pouch is completely devoid of visible branding – no logos, no embossing, just smooth, buffed nappa calfskin that lets the craftsmanship speak for itself. The adjustable, detachable shoulder strap features a self-tie fastening, a delicate contrast to Loewe’s bold knotted details. Measuring 8.5 x 5 x 2 inches, the Mini Pouch secures with a magnetic closure and comes in a refined neutral palette, including Almond, Beige, and Black.
Image courtesy: @imlvh
Image courtesy: Red
A more understated take on the ruched pouch trend, it retails for $2,300 – a slightly more accessible price point than Loewe’s Mini Flamenco Clutch.
Image courtesy: @onemorebagblog
The Row - Angy Crossbody Bag
Known for its understated, minimalist designs, The Row’s handbags epitomize quiet luxury. While the Margaux garnered attention, many of the brand’s bags, including the Angy Crossbody, fly under the radar. The Angy is the brand’s interpretation of the drawstring leather pouch, offering a sleek, refined version of the now-popular style.
Read also: Clutch it Close: 5 of The Best Luxury Clutch Bags
Crafted from smooth lamb leather, the Angy shares a similar ruched silhouette to Bottega Veneta’s Mini Pouch, but with a few notable tweaks. It features a simple drawstring closure, cinching to secure the bag without magnets. The knotted drawstrings are finished with gold-tone hardware, adding a subtle elevated look to the design. Inside, a zipped pocket provides a practical touch for organizing your essentials. Offered in several sizes, the coveted mini size measures 8.5 x 12 x 2.5 inches.
Image courtesy: mytheresa
Image courtesy: mytheresa
Like many of The Row’s bags, the Angy is free from visible branding, allowing the craftsmanship to speak for itself. The non-adjustable, non-detachable leather shoulder strap allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or carried as a clutch. Available in Cream, Black, and Ice Blue, it retails for $1,990.
Mansur Gavriel - Cloud Mini Clutch
New York-based brand Mansur Gavriel made waves in 2013 with the launch of its first collection, featuring the sell-out bucket bag. Known for its minimalist, pared-back designs, the brand has since evolved, embracing new silhouettes like the pouch style of the Cloud Mini Clutch.
Read also: Mansur Gavriel On the Rise
Image courtesy: @mansurgavriel
Handcrafted from supple Italian lambskin, the Cloud Mini Clutch offers a sculptural, distinctive take on the ruched pouch silhouette. While similar to Bottega Veneta’s Mini Pouch in its use of a hinged frame for structure, the Cloud Clutch introduces a subtle wave design, adding a unique touch to its otherwise clean shape. Instead of a traditional drawstring closure, it features a delicate leather shoulder strap that appears to extend from the bag, with small knots at each side. The bag also features subtle gold-tone Mansur Gavriel heat-stamped branding at the front, echoing Loewe’s minimalist branding approach. Though the strap is non-adjustable and non-removable, the bag can be worn as a clutch, crossbody, or on the shoulder.
Image courtesy: @mansurgavriel
Image courtesy: @mansurgavriel
Measuring 9.5 x 5 x 2.75 inches, the Cloud Mini Clutch aligns closely with the dimensions of the Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch. Available in a wide array of colors, including Chocolate, Pomegranate, Silver, and Sage, this bag retails for $545, making it a more accessible option within the luxury pouch category.
Image courtesy: @mansurgavriel
Strathberry - Charlotte Drawstring Bag
Scottish brand Strathberry brings its signature aesthetic to the pouch trend with the Charlotte Drawstring – a compact, contemporary silhouette that blends structure with softness.
Image courtesy: @strathberry
Crafted from supple Nappa leather and handmade in Spain, the Charlotte features a secure drawstring closure and heat-stamped logo branding on the front. With a ruched, gathered body and clean lines, the bag features the brand’s distinctive gold-tone drawstring tips. Coming in at 9.1 x 6.1 x 3.9 inches, the Charlotte Drawstring bag’s measurements most closely align with Loewe’s Mini Flamenco Clutch, offering day-to-night vibes.
Image courtesy: @clairechanelle
Image courtesy: @shhtephs
Its adjustable crossbody strap, measuring between 40.6 and 47.2 inches, allows for styling options: across the body, on the shoulder, or by hand. The Charlotte Drawstring in leather is currently offered in a range of shades, including Black, Caramel, and Oxblood. Suede versions are available in Chocolate, Khaki, and Tan. Retailing for $455, it’s a mid-tier option that delivers versatility and timeless appeal.
Image courtesy: @angelafink
A.P.C - Mini Ninon Bag
Founded in 1987, A.P.C. emerged as a response to the excess of the 1980s, focusing on sustainability and timeless designs. Over the years, the French brand has become a go-to for stylish accessories, with its leather bags and recycled fabric collections making waves among the fashion-conscious.
Image courtesy: A.P.C
Enter the Mini Ninon Bag, crafted from a recycled material that mimics the look and feel of leather. With its signature drawstring closure pouch style, the Mini Ninon is elevated by subtle gold-tone hardware on each drawstring, reminiscent of The Row’s Angy. The drawstring itself is made from a technical cord, giving the bag a sporty appeal. The bag is secured with a magnetic closure and measures 6.7 x 8.2 x 3.9 inches, featuring a small interior pocket for organization.
Image courtesy: A.P.C
Image courtesy: A.P.C
Unlike other bags in this category, the Mini Ninon has a fixed yet adjustable shoulder strap attached to the bag via two gold-tone loops, rather than extending from the drawstring. It also boasts the brand’s signature “A.P.C. rue Madame Paris” logo, embossed in gold-tone on the front to match the hardware. Offered in shades like Hazelnut, Sand, Dark Pink, and Blue, this sustainable offering retails for $350.
Soeur - Suzette Bag
Another French favorite, the effortlessly chic Parisian brand Soeur, joins the pouch party with the Suzette Bag.
Image courtesy: @soeur_paris
Crafted from smooth leather, the Suzette features the same soft, gathered silhouette that defines the trend, accentuated by subtle ruching from its drawstring closure, which is finished with knotted detailing. The bag is marked with a gold-tone heat-stamped logo on the front, but otherwise, it remains minimalist, free from hardware or additional embellishments.
Image courtesy: @soeur_paris
Image courtesy: @soeur_paris
The non-adjustable, non-detachable shoulder strap allows the Suzette to be carried by hand, worn on the shoulder, or styled as a crossbody. In its small size, it measures 7 x 9.4 x 1.1 inches – falling comfortably between the dimensions of Bottega Veneta’s Mini Pouch and Mansur Gavriel’s Cloud Mini Clutch. Available in Charcoal Gray, Cream, and Neon Yellow, the Suzette bag retails for $250.
Image courtesy: Soeur
COS - Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag
Known for its affordable, minimalist fashion, COS has been elevating its accessory game in recent seasons, offering chic alternatives to high-end brands like The Row. From sports luxe recycled nylon crossbody bags to sleek suede totes, COS brings a fresh approach to accessible luxury.
The Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag closely mirrors Bottega Veneta’s Mini Pouch, with its smooth leather construction void of any branding. However, it forgoes the structured hinged frame for a softer, more slouchy design. It secures with a drawstring finished with the signature knotted detailing, providing a familiar yet refined look. Measuring 6.6 x 9.8 x 1.9 inches, the bag can be worn on the shoulder, crossbody, or simply carried as a clutch.
Image courtesy: COS
Image courtesy: COS
Available in snake-effect leather, suede, and classic leather in shades like Black and Bordeaux, the Mini Cavatelli Clutch is priced at $159, making it the most accessible option in the pouch category, offering the luxury look for less.
So, what do you think—are these iterations a clever reinvention, or are we simply seeing the same idea recycled? Which brand do you think truly perfected the ruched pouch trend? Let us know your thoughts.
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Updated: June 19th, 2025
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