From large shopping bags at Balenciaga by Demna Gvasalia to the extra-small bubble bag at Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld, bags for Winter 2018 are an array of sizes and styles.

The shapes remain classic in the handbags and shoulder bags, and look new in the satchel, bucket and duffel designs.

Patent leather, gold kid, unpolished nappa and fur are the new materials. But it is color that rules, mixed either as complementary or contrasting hues.

These luxury brand bags exude identity, albeit quite discreetly.

The costly luxury brand bags stand side by side with lower-priced designer versions. There is one for every woman to behold and hold this season. Dior, Balmain, Gucci and Fendi are connecting with a younger crowd with trendy street-style designs. The best version is a winter white handbag by Dolce & Gabbana with graffiti, like writing on a plaster arm cast.

Prints, too, like the tartan satchel by John Galliano for Martin Margiela are in vogue. Then there are the standby skins like albino croc, green python and stingray, but rendered as faux in deference to endangered species.

Here are some styles for us to salivate over and covet. After all, the bag you carry is your shout-out accessory that is both functional for your career and precious to carry for evening. —CONTRIBUTED