It’s impromptu poll time: when a lull in a conversation with a new acquaintance happens, what are you most likely to do? Pretend to answer that text from your mom? Sip on the champagne until a mutual friend arrives to break the silence? Look around the room for something remotely interesting to talk about? Oooh, look at those velvet curtains! I literally have a dress made in that exact shade of velvet! Canapé?

Not everyone is blessed with that wondrous ability to whip a conversation out of thin air, and even if you are, it doesn’t hurt to keep a stack of conversation starters at the back of your head. Enter the conversation-starting bag. Not only are they fodder for street style photographers, instant outfit expressos and just plainly g’dang good to look at on a shelf, they’re basically conversation cards in disguise.

Can’t go on anymore about how good the rosé is? Start going on about the Chloé Nile bag on your lap and how you had to fight tooth and nail to get it because it’s practically sold out everywhere. (FYI: it’s still available here if you move fast enough. Like, go, now.) Or, you could explain why the Fendi Peekaboo in your hand is called as such, or why your Balenciaga Bazar tote looks like it belongs in a Chinatown market. Lead into Demna Gvasalia’s new Balenciaga and the whole “not trying” aesthetic and that’s your entire night’s worth of conversation covered. You’re welcome.

Balenciaga Bazar Printed Tote

Chloe Drew Mini Patchwork Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag

Chloe Nile Small Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag

Fendi Peekaboo Mini Appliqued Leather Shoulder Bag

Gucci Broadway Embellished Metallic Brocade Clutch

Gucci Osiride Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag

Gucci Padlock Small Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag

Khokho Drawstring Basket Bag

Miu Miu Dahlia Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag

Prada Cahier Two-Tone Leather Shoulder Bag

Rosie Assoulin Striped Woven Jug Bag

Saint Laurent Opium Plexiglass Clutch

Staud Macareme and Leather Bucket Bag

Olympia Le-Tan “Vertigo” Book Clutch

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