BTS isn’t just the world’s biggest boy band — they’re also a cultural phenomenon whose eras are defined as much by visual style as by music. From the youthful vibrancy of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life to the sleek maturity of Map of the Soul: 7, each era has a distinct aesthetic that fashion lovers could translate straight into their wardrobes.
But what if each BTS era had a bag style to match its vibe? Let’s play with the idea and pair actual bag designs with their eras. Think of it as a crossover between K-pop history and the handbag hall of fame.
1. School Trilogy Era (2 Cool 4 Skool, O!RUL8,2?, Skool Luv Affair)
Bag Match: Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
BTS debuted with raw hip-hop energy and school-uniform styling, bringing a rebellious yet youthful vibe. Nothing says “student life” more than a backpack, and the Fjällräven Kånken captures that same no-frills practicality with a pop of colour. It’s durable, iconic, and perfectly matches the scrappy energy of a group finding their place in the world.
2. The Most Beautiful Moment in Life (HYYH)
Bag Match: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
The HYYH era was all about fleeting youth, pastel visuals, and nostalgia. The Longchamp Le Pliage tote feels like the perfect fit: lightweight, foldable, and versatile. It has that romantic “on-the-go” vibe — like something you’d carry for spontaneous adventures or late-night hangouts with friends.
3. Wings (2016)
Bag Match: Saint Laurent Sac de Jour
With Wings, BTS leaned into darker, more mature themes of temptation, loss, and growth. The Sac de Jour by Saint Laurent reflects that mood: structured, sophisticated, and a little brooding. It’s a power bag with sleek lines, much like the striking visuals of this era.
4. Love Yourself Trilogy (Her, Tear, Answer)
Bag Match: Gucci Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag
The Love Yourself albums were colourful, romantic, and heartfelt, mixing vulnerability with bold confidence. The Gucci Marmont embodies that same duality — playful in its quilted textures and heart-shaped details, but polished with the iconic GG hardware. It’s youthful yet timeless, just like the message of self-love.
5. Map of the Soul: Persona (2019)
Bag Match: Jacquemus Le Chiquito
Persona was bright pink, cheeky, and larger-than-life. Nothing screams “statement piece” more than the Jacquemus Le Chiquito, the tiny bag that became a viral sensation. Its impractical yet unforgettable design mirrors the fun, flamboyant energy of this era — a bold accessory that sparks conversation.
6. Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)
Bag Match: Dior Saddle Bag
For 7, BTS reflected on their seven-year journey with both grandeur and vulnerability. The Dior Saddle Bag — a reinterpreted classic — feels fitting. It’s instantly recognisable, symbolic of reinvention, and steeped in heritage while still being modern. Much like BTS in this era, it bridges the past with the present.
7. Dynamite / BE Era (2020)
Bag Match: Telfar Shopping Bag (“Bushwick Birkin”)
The Dynamite era was disco-inspired, fun, and global. The Telfar Shopping Bag captures that energy perfectly: accessible luxury with major cultural impact. It’s colourful, democratic, and has pop-culture cred — the perfect bag for an era that brought BTS into millions of new households worldwide.
8. Butter & Permission to Dance (2021)
Bag Match: Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag
Smooth, sleek, and modern, Butter was all about playful charisma. The Bottega Cassette Bag, with its bold woven leather and punchy colours, embodies that same sense of confidence. It’s stylish without trying too hard — a perfect mirror of BTS’s effortless stage presence during this period.
9. Proof (2022)
Bag Match: Hermès Birkin
Proof was a retrospective, tying together nine years of artistry and cementing BTS’s legacy. Only one bag could match this monumental era: the Hermès Birkin. Timeless, legendary, and an ultimate investment piece, it represents permanence and status — much like BTS’s place in music history.
Final Thoughts
From student backpacks to luxury icons, BTS’s eras can be mirrored through the evolution of bag styles. Each choice reflects a specific mood: youthful experimentation, romantic growth, sleek maturity, or timeless legacy. For ARMY and fashion enthusiasts alike, it’s a playful way to celebrate the journey of the group while also exploring the storytelling power of handbags.
Whether you’re carrying a Fjällräven Kånken or dreaming of a Birkin, the lesson is clear: your bag can be more than just an accessory — it can be an era-defining statement.
