This Month’s Glam Bag Is the Definition of Effortless

Why This Design Just Works

For IPSY designer Joanne Wong, May’s bag started with a simple idea: create something you’d actually use. Not once. Not for a moment. But over and over again. “I wanted the bag to feel timeless,” says Wong. “A style that doesn’t follow a trend but always looks good.”

Enter: gingham. Equal parts nostalgic and effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of print that never really leaves, and that’s exactly the point. “Gingham is one of those prints that comes back every season,” explains Wong. “It naturally fits the idea of beauty staples you reach for again and again.”

The palette pulls from May’s color story—resort blue, luminous white, and deep navy—giving it that crisp, clean feel of denim, clear skies, and easy spring days. Fresh, but familiar. Classic, but never boring.

The Bag Details That Make It Feel Like Yours

At first glance, May’s Glam Bag design looks simple. But that’s where the magic is. “I chose faux leather because it holds structure beautifully and makes the print look polished,” says Wong. “It also makes the bag durable enough for everyday use.”

Because, let’s be real, everyday means it needs to keep up. Stashed in totes, carried on coffee runs, packed for weekend trips. This one’s built for all of it.

Then there’s the wristlet strap. Functional? 100%! But also the detail that makes the whole thing feel intentional. “I wanted it to feel easy and grab-and-go,” Wong explains. “The wristlet lets you carry it hands-free when you’re running errands or heading out for the day.”

And that contrast of the deep navy strap against the crisp blue gingham is subtle but impactful. “It frames the design and makes the colors pop,” she adds.

Getting It Just Right

Of course, something that looks effortless rarely is. “The biggest challenge was getting the gingham scale just right,” says Wong. “Too small and it feels busy, too large and it loses that classic charm.” 

After multiple rounds of testing different sizes, different shades blues, and different fabrics, the design team landed on a version that feels balanced, modern, and wearable. That’s the thing about everyday staples: the details matter—a lot.

When it works, it works. And this month’s Glam Bag design doesn’t miss.