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The Express Gazette
Saturday, January 17, 2026

Queen Camilla embraces this season's biggest bag trend with luxury-to-high-street echoes

A timeless tote moment signals a broader shift in royal style, pairing enduring silhouettes with accessible alternatives

Culture & Entertainment 4 months ago
Queen Camilla embraces this season's biggest bag trend with luxury-to-high-street echoes

Queen Camilla turned heads again with a tote that signals this season's biggest bag trend, a look many fashion watchers say reads as elevated without breaking the bank. Spotted during recent public appearances, Camilla wore a structured top-handle tote that features the brand's signature knot detailing, a hallmark of refined, modern luxury. The piece in question is the Andiamo intrecciato leather tote in ecru from Bottega Veneta, a design that has long stood as a go-to for polished ensembles. While the carry-all carries a premium price, at £4,250, the look has inspired a raft of affordable riffs on high street shelves. Retailers have highlighted options that echo the same sense of polish, from artisanal textures to clean lines, offering a path to recreate the appearance without the lofty price tag.

During the state visit of President Trump and the First Lady, Camilla turned to one of her trusted favourites: a Bottega Veneta tote she has carried on numerous occasions. The Andiamo intrecciato design, with a structured top handle and the brand's distinctive gold-tone knot detailing, has become a recurring accent in her public appearances. The choice underscores a preference for versatile pieces that translate across daytime engagements and formal events alike.

For those seeking similar elegance on a budget, several high-street options deliver the same vibe without the price tag. Aspinal of London's Midi London Tote offers an artisanal slot weave and generous interior space, balancing craft and practicality. Melie Bianco's Larissa Shoulder Bag channels minimalist sophistication with clean lines and a compact silhouette. For evening-ready moments, Dune's Deliberate L Shoulder Bag features a sleek metallic finish that transitions from day to night, while Charles & Keith's Ivette Woven Shoulder Bag arrives in rich chocolate tones, aiming to be a versatile new-season staple.

Since becoming Queen, Camilla's fashion has grown in confidence, with accessories—ranging from understated leather clutches to top-handle designs—playing a central role in elevating ensembles. Observers note the continued use of established brands such as Launer for leather clutches and Moynat for refined, timeless top-handles, underscoring a strategy that favors enduring silhouettes over trend-driven pieces. The emphasis on polished, functional carry-alls aligns with a broader update to royal wardrobes: luxury looks that can seamlessly bridge formal occasions and everyday engagements.

The trend signals a broader shift in how royal wardrobes balance opulence with practicality. By highlighting iconic tote silhouettes and pairing them with accessible high-street alternatives, Camilla’s styling choices reflect a sustained commitment to elegance that remains relevant across occasions and audiences.


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