Comeback bags and events to watch out for at AFW

Yesterday, Amsterdam Fashion Week kicked off a four-day programme packed with more than 40 shows, presentations and events across the city. With so many options to choose from, knowing what not to miss can feel a little overwhelming. We’ve got you covered and will guide you through the absolute highlights you can’t skip this week. As fashion lovers gather all throughout Amsterdam, inspiration and gorgeous pieces are everywhere to be seen. From the runways to the streets, we’ll be keeping an eye on the trends, looks and accessories making their way back into the spotlight. And one comeback in particular has caught our attention: the return of some iconic designer bags. 

Lichting 20 years

To mark 20 years of Lichting, the platform unveils a retrospective photo exhibition, 20 years of lichting - Captured by Peter Stigter at De Hallen, open to the public from 1 September to 9 October. Known as the ultimate Dutch debutante ball for fashion, Lichting is the stage where graduating designers make their entry into the industry. This exhibition brings together two decades of iconic Dutch fashion history through the lens of catwalk photographer Peter Stigter, who has captured every single edition since day one. Lichting is a collaboration between HTNK and Amsterdam Fashion Week. Remaining at De Hallen for a month, it offers the public an exclusive look at a comprehensive visual archive celebrating the country’s fashion visionaries.

De Hallen Passage, Hannie Dankbaarpassage, Amsterdam. 

Talk: How Design, Repair and Innovation are redefining fashion

How Design, Repair & Innovation are Redefining Fashion explores how circular thinking is changing the way fashion is designed, produced and consumed. The talk looks at the growing role of repair, resale and reuse, how garments can be designed for multiple lives, the responsibility of both brands and consumers and how circular fashion can become a scalable and accessible business model. 

Speakers: Borre Akkersdijk (Creative Founder BYBORRE & Co-Founder Patience) Thami Schweichler (Founder United Repair Centre) Eloise van Oranje (Founder My Lima Lima) Moderator: Stephany Goncalves (Strategic Advisor & Founder, The Invisible Curriculum) 

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Keizersgracht 264

The HUB: Vintage Curated Shop x Wear For Life

On September 3 and 4, The HUB opens its doors at RIVVIA, located at Keizersgracht 264 in Amsterdam. This year’s edition celebrates 20 years of Lichting, bringing together a mix of fashion, creativity and circularity. Alongside a curated vintage shop and new brands, visitors can explore talks, interactive workshops, a customisation and repair station, and the Wear For Life campaign.

And of course, you can find us there too. Come by and discover our curated selection of vintage designer bags and find the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe.

The HUB at RIVVIA, Keizersgracht 264

The comeback

Since trends always come back in some certain way, and some pieces become more accessible to end up in the streets of Amsterdam again. We would love to guide you through some iconic silhouettes you’ll definitely see back in the streetstyles of our fashionable people walking through the city in this exciting week. 

Balenciaga City Bag

She has been around for a while, but the Balenciaga City Bag is far from fading from the streets. Since its comeback in 2025, the iconic bag has been gaining popularity once again, thanks to its lightweight construction, signature attached mirror and long shoulder strap. Designed with everyday wear in mind, its effortless practicality gives it that vintage, well-loved feel that makes it so appealing today.

Its lack of prominent logos and distinctive branding also taps into the ongoing desire for more understated luxury. At the same time, the signature hardware and unmistakable biker-inspired aesthetic set the City apart from more polished silhouettes, adding an effortless edge to any look. A perfect balance between worn-in and luxurious, exactly the kind of comeback we’ll be watching for at AFW.

Chloé Paddington Bag

Also making its way back into the spotlight is the Chloé Paddington Bag. Chloé, who is known for its soft, feminine aesthetic, took a more playful and rebellious approach with this silhouette. The Paddington’s oversized lock immediately became part of its identity, turning what could have been a subtle detail into the bag’s defining feature.

Its relaxed shape and soft leather give the bag an effortless, lived-in character, while the chunky hardware adds just enough toughness to balance its otherwise classic feel. It is this contrast that makes the Paddington so appealing today: luxurious without feeling too polished, feminine without losing its edge. A true early-2000s favourite that feels surprisingly at home in today’s street style.

Source: Pinterest

Looking to get ahead of the comeback? Discover our curated selection of vintage designer bags and find your own piece of fashion history at THE HUB, open on September 3 and 4 at RIVVIA, located at Keizersgracht 264 in Amsterdam.