1. The Raffia Remix

Raffia bags are a warm-weather staple, and designers got creative this season by bringing the beloved material into unexpected silhouettes with contrasting details and hardware. Bronx and Banco went sleek, 3.1 Phillip Lim took a crisp, two-tone approach with layers of black leather, while Flying Solo applied vintage touches courtesy of warm wood details.

2. Hardshell Handle Bags

At Bibhu Mohapatra and Kött Kömm, hardshell bags with uniquely lustrous looks were sent down the runways. The rough-hammered finish of Kött Kömm's circular clutch fell in step with the battle armor aesthetic seen this year at Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. Meanwhile, at Bibhu Mohapatra, the hardshell trend was realized in an ombré with all the glow of polished quartz crystal.

3. Circular Statement Clutches

Spherical bags have been staging a comeback this year. While the circle bags spotted in Fall/Winter collections were almost all mini- and structured, this season offered more variety. Altuzarra sent smooth leather crossbody circle bags down the runway. Flying Solo took a petal-festooned, top-handle bag approach and Edher Gin delivered a playfully punk wrecking ball design.

4. She Sells Seashells

At Staud and Ulla Johnson, a crafty bag trend got us itching for one last weekend "down the shore." Opaque and lustrous seashells created both texture and print on brown leather purses with fringe and leather thong detailing.

5. Fashion-Forward Backpacks

We weren't expecting to get into the back-to-school spirit during NYFW, but then Libertine and Flying Solo sent backpacks down the runway. These sleekly constructed and fringe-adorned accessories are a boon for those of us who prefer practical backpacks over stylish (but less ergonomic) tote bags for schlepping to and from work.