Every now and then, a handbag comes along that catches the eye of every fashion editor on the front row, and pretty instantly becomes a cult accessory. This is certainly the case for JW Anderson’s Bumper bag – a fun, colourful style which, despite being launched as recently as spring/summer 2022, is rapidly gaining ‘It’ bag status.
The Bumper is a playful – and surprisingly affordable – addition to JW Anderson’s collection, and the versatile investment buy is a great way to inject a little impact into your day-to-day wardrobe.
The shoulder bag often features two bright contrasting colours (of which there are countless iterations), but there are also muted tones if you want something a little more low-key. Either way, the unique shape and handy size is what has made the style so popular, carried by everyone from Harry Styles to Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Ratajkowski.
Of course, Jonathon Anderson is no stranger to designing an ‘It’ bag. He is the man behind Loewe’s Puzzle, an origami-inspired handbag which has – in less than a decade – become one of the most recognisable designer accessories around. And, he may just have done it again. Below, we detail everything you need to know about the Bumper bag, and where to get one for yourself.
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Raffia Bumper Bag
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The story behind the bag
The Bumper is only just a year old; it was first launched in May 2022. Designed as a twist on a classic, the base of the bag is lined with a tubular padded piping and blown up with kneadable neoprene tubing (often in contrasting colours). The strap emphasises the exaggerated size of the bag further by being skinny and shrunken, resembling a slim belt.
“The Bumper family emphasises inversion,” the brand said of the design. “The styles – which evoke bright buoyant balloons and cushioning travel pillows – are made inside-out and then turned inwards with their oversized padding exposed.”
Naomi Campbell carrying the Bumper
Since the Bumper – and its sister bag, the Bumper Moon (which is slimmer and, you guessed it, moon shaped) – launched, the brand has actively expanded the collection with various new colourways and unexpected textures.
You can now buy the bags in two-tone, high-shine, glossy calf leather in clashing colours, such as bright orange and blue, or toffee and lilac. The style also comes in a tactile woven jacquard which is inspired by JW Anderson’s signature packaging, a crystal-embellished leather, a raffia, as well as various metallic shades, and with various strap options.
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Alexa Chung carrying the Bumper
Ashley Graham carrying the Bumper Moon
Who has carried it?
Aside from every fashion editor during London Fashion Week this past season (including at least three in the Bazaar office), more than a few A-listers have been spotted toting the Bumper. This includes; Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Bel Powley, Emily Ratajkowski, Shy Girl, Jennifer Lawrence, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn, Ashley Graham and Alexa Chung, many of whom have opted for bright and buzzy colours.
Bel Powley carrying the Bumper
Where to shop
If you want to check out the full collection of colourways and textures for yourself, then make your way to JW Anderson’s Brewer Street store in Soho, or check out the wide selection on the brand’s website.
The Bumper is also available at most major designer retailers, including Net-a-Porter, Matches, Farfetch, Browns and Mytheresa, while we also always recommend taking a peek on our favourite resale sites too.
We’ve also rounded up a selection of our favourites to shop, above.
