The Craving For Food-Themed High Fashion Bags Is All The Rage

Who could ever forget when Balenciaga dropped a Lay’s leather chip bag back in 2022? What’s $1,800 to the most diehard Lay’s chips fanatics? 

Our world is obsessed with food—whether it’s driven by social trends, the industry itself, food as a high art form, its communal aspects, the dopamine rush, the invigorating energy from a healthy meal, or a combination of these factors. Food and beverage brands are paying close attention to the desires of their target consumers. Just like Balenciaga, other fashion brands are also cashing in on our food-driven frenzy, releasing nosh-themed merchandise that’s got celebrities either eating out of their hands or, at the very least, wearing it on their shoulders.

The idea of wearing your food isn’t new to some high-fashion designers, especially New York-based Nikolas Bentel. He recently released The Pasta Bag 2, an update to his original pasta bag. And who could forget his other quirky creations, like The Absolut Espresso Martini Handbag or his collaborative drop, The Tums Bag? They’re all playful, irreverent, and perfectly in tune with our food-driven mania.

American fashion legend Betsey Johnson is best known for her feminine, whimsical designs that often border on the over-the-top. Under her Kitsch line, she’s created playful bags like the Kitsch Sugar High Watermelon Bag Pink and the Kitsch Fresh N Fruity Picnic Basket Natural. Her designs are less satirical than Balenciaga’s and lean more toward a girly aesthetic—but at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank.

Designer Anya Hindmarch also taps into the food-inspired trend, offering bags modeled after cereal, condiments, and candy. Her collection includes the beaded Kellogg’s Coco Pops Mini Tote, the Kikkoman Mini Bucket Bag, and a Crunch Zip Card Case.

Meanwhile, Moschino made headlines last October with the launch of its $5,000 Sedano Bag, a celery-shaped clutch that first appeared on runways earlier this year.

You don’t have to be a celebrity to appreciate this growing trend in the fashion world. As a self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast, I have to admit—even though I’m not usually a fan of Kate Spade—I’m tempted to get her Slice 3D Pizza Crossbody. And if I’m feeling extra bold, I might just go for the whole pie with the Slice 3D Pizza Box Top-handle Bag.