When it comes to everyday receptacles for carrying life’s essentials, innovation is in short supply. Options are limited for those who value practicality and disruptive design, but one brand leading the charge and placing equal emphasis on both is côte&ciel.
These are bags that would look equally at home slung over a shoulder or arranged on a plinth in an art gallery. They’re fashion forward, but not at the expense of functionality – and for côte&ciel fall/winter 2025, the label draws inspiration from the skies, paying homage to French poet, philosopher, and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Known for his pioneering spirit and time spent “between the coast and the sky,” Saint-Exupéry’s legacy is reinterpreted through the lens of head designer Emilie Arnault’s architectural and thought-driven approach.
Titled Stratus – a nod to low-forming clouds – the collection highlights côte&ciel’s trademark blend of fluidity and structure. Familiar silhouettes, like the ORNE and HYCO S, return with subtle updates, such as bomber jacket-inspired orange linings. Aviation cues continue across the ISARAU and ISAR bags, now featuring softened, rounded shapes reminiscent of aircraft contours.
The season also introduces new designs. The MINHO, a weekender duffle, draws inspiration from parachutes, while the YALU pushes textural and structural boundaries as one of the brand’s most innovative backpacks to date. The TIB tote and UVA crossbody bag provide versatile, multi-functional options, balancing technicality with aesthetic appeal.
côte&ciel fall/winter 2025: Fabric innovation
Material innovation takes centre stage, with seasonal fabrics like the coarse yet refined Carbon, slick Onyx, and water-repellent nylon in Cargo Green and Slate Grey. These tactile choices reinforce the collection’s narrative of exploration and freedom, echoing Saint-Exupéry’s philosophy of embracing the journey as much as the destination.
Founded in Paris in 2008, côte&ciel continues to champion functionality, minimalism, and architectural design, delivering for the modern creative. Fall/Winter 2025 cements its commitment to craftsmanship that’s as imaginative as it is practical.
“All grown-ups were once children… but only a few remember it,” Saint-Exupéry once wrote. For côte&ciel, this season is a reminder to look to the clouds, where possibility meets innovation.
Next up: The best backpacks to buy in 2025.
