The bucket bag is back!
Pioneering has always been in Prada’s DNA. From trailblazing new materials into the luxury sphere to making utility dressing sexy, the Italian label isn’t one to shy away from setting new trends. And the latest bag from the brand looks set to bring back a classic bag silhouette. Introducing the Prada Buckle Bucket bag. First spotted on Prada’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway during Milan Fashion Week last year, this accessory is a new adaptation of the wildly popular Prada Buckle bag that was first released for SS24 (and is also another recent addition to my bag collection). The newly launched bucket version combines the statement buckled belt detail with the ease and practicality of the classic bucket bag style. The result? A top contender for this season’s must-have bag.
I’ve gotten my hands on the briarwood calfskin leather style (it’s like a dark chocolate shade) complete with the jewelled belt option. It’s the most dazzling of the variations available but there’s also studded and classic buckled belt versions to choose from in an array of dreamy neutrals. In this review, I’m going to unpack it all for you guys. Let’s take a closer look at the design features, compare how it fares against its predecessor, unpack the return of the bucket bag silhouette, and of course, help you decide which version to choose. Handbag deep dive impending …
PRADA BUCKLE BUCKET BAG DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Spacious circular shape
Single shoulder strap
Statement belt detail across the top
Embossed logo lettering at front
Internal patch pocket
Made from calfskin
Nappa leather lining
Belt options – classic buckle, jewelled, studded
Colour options – black, white, caramel, briarwood
Made in Italy
Shop Prada Buckle Bucket Bag
An Ode To The Mighty Bucket Bag
The name might not be glamorous, but the mighty bucket bag is one of the most classic and practical accessories out there. Spacious and prioritising simplicity, this bag silhouette is an easy choice for those of us looking for a roomy accessory. But bucket bags have noticeably not been as present in fashion’s rotation of ‘It’ accessories in recent years. The resurgence of big bags has caused spacious styles to reign supreme but designs of the bucket variation have not enjoyed as much love as their dual-handle tote counterparts. It’s certainly welcomed fashion news to see Prada backing the notoriously practical bucket bag style. And if the Italian house’s reputation teaches us anything, it’s that where Prada goes, other brands will follow. So I think it’s safe to say that fashion has likely got a bucket bag renaissance on its hands.
Prada’s Buckle Bucket bag is noticeably slouchier than many other bucket styles on the market. It’s made from supple calfskin and has a circular base so it doesn’t feel boxy or too cumbersome. It noticeably doesn’t have a drawstring closure around the top (a distinctive feature of many bucket bags), instead spotlighting the belt feature to give this style a more elevated look.
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Belt Options
One thing that we can always expect from Prada is a little bit of fun novelty. Just like its predecessor the Prada Buckle bag, the new bucket variation has a statement feel thanks to its belt detail. And for the new Prada Buckle Bucket bag, the belts available are even more fun. There’s the same classic and studded options, plus the addition of a new jewelled belt made of metallic mesh with a tortoiseshell buckle detail. This is the style I have and it’s my personal favourite. The metallic mesh makes this belt look like a piece of jewellery or a watch strap which looks super chic (I’ve been loving wearing it undone). And it’s a nice switch up from my OG Prada Buckle bag with a classic leather belt detail.
It’s good to see the studded belt version return for the bucket style also, it’s perfect for channelling a little punk attitude. Plus, the classic belt option is a good choice if you want to use this bag for work.
Let’s Compare …
The new Prada Buckle Bucket bag is the latest style in the growing Prada Buckle family so, of course, it’s going to encourage comparisons to the original Prada Buckle design. The OG boxy top-handle tote was first released last year and earned cult popularity, in part, thanks to its spacious, practical shape and statement belt detail. The new bucket bag version takes these same key elements and transforms them for a new silhouette. It’s got a slimmer shape and slouchier structure, plus the new jewelled belt option that’s available makes this practical everyday carryall feel super luxurious.
My final thoughts? I think that Prada developing its existing popular Prada Buckle design by introducing it in a new bucket bag option is a smart move from the house. This silhouette feels classic and modern and the addition of a new jewelled belt option has definitely got fans talking. I think Prada may have just mastered the bucket bag’s comeback!
Styling Inspo
