Erdem Moralioglu, known for his dreamy dresses and romantic brocades, is now venturing into the world of accessories with the launch of his first handbag, the Bloom. The bag, inspired by the dualities of pragmatism and poetry, masculine and feminine, comes in three colorways, two sizes, and two fabrications. It made its debut at Moralioglu’s spring 2025 show in London, which was inspired by the pioneering early-20th-century writer Radclyffe Hall.
The Bloom’s boxy shape is soft and malleable, making it practical for everyday use. The whimsy and poetry of the bag are reflected in the sculptural brass bloom that doubles as the top handle, artisan-crafted in Forlì. Each handle takes hours to sculpt and resembles a cross between a rose and a tulip. The bag can also be worn as a crossbody with its detachable strap, adding versatility to its design.
Moralioglu’s love for flowers stems from his childhood in Montreal, where he spent time in his mother’s garden of tulips. Today, he tends to his own flowering plot in his Bloomsbury townhouse, finding abundant beauty in the small space overlooking a deconsecrated cemetery. The garden has transformed from an unruly beast to a place of magnolia blossoms and roses coming together, showcasing the magic that can reveal itself over time.
The launch of the Bloom marks a new chapter for Erdem Moralioglu’s eponymous label, which has been known for its ethereal and romantic designs. The introduction of a handbag adds a practical element to his collections while maintaining the poetic and artistic qualities that define his work. The bag reflects Moralioglu’s exploration of dualities and contrasts, merging masculine and feminine elements in a harmonious way.
The bag’s association with the pioneering writer Radclyffe Hall adds a deeper layer of meaning to its design, emphasizing themes of identity, expression, and self-acceptance. The gesture of clutching the bag close to oneself creates an interesting contrast to the masculine silhouettes explored in the collection, highlighting the complexity and richness of Moralioglu’s aesthetic vision.
As Moralioglu continues to explore new avenues in his design career, such as the launch of the Bloom handbag, he remains rooted in his love for flowers and nature. His personal connection to gardening and flowers informs his creative process, infusing his collections with a sense of natural beauty and growth. Like the unfolding of a story, the magic of Moralioglu’s creations reveals itself slowly and intricately, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and romance.
