Choosing a Bag Based on the Art That Inspires You

1. Damien Hirst’s “Urea-13C”: The world’s richest living artist has worked with plenty of controversial subjects (like dead animals and massive containers of formaldehyde), but it’s Damien Hirst’s “spot” series that had universal appeal when it hit in 2012. There’s something about countless dots, as far as the eye can see, that have a way of transfixing us.

Rochas Polka Dot Bucket Bag: There’s also something undeniably uplifting about polka dots, in just about any color palette. The cute and classic print gets a modern update on Rodarte’s semi-slouchy bucket. On Shopbop for $910.

2. Piet Mondrian’s “Composition II”: Piet Mondrian’s influence on fashion is far-reaching, starting with the colorblocked shifts of the Swinging Sixties. But there’s nothing Mod, or at least un-modern, about the famed Dutch De Stijl artist’s transfixing grids: a little Cubist, a little Minimalist, and timelessly Neoplastic, to use Mondrian’s chosen term for his style, a little bit of well-placed color goes a long way.

Marni Handbag: Like many designers before them, Marni has taken Mondrian’s bold blocks of primary color and translated them to a high-impact clutch that makes a statement. Just wear the rest of your outfit with caution: You don’t want to commit color overkill. On Yoox for $782.

3. Jeff Koons’ “Rabbit”: Intrigued by the slickness of the pop life, so to speak? Jeff Koons has an affinity for taking both beloved and banal subjects and giving them the stainless-steel treatment. He’s probably most famous for his take on inflatable toys, like the “Rabbit,” which are especially transfixing, thanks to their mirror-reflective shine.

Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch: That’s the very same shine you can catch on Jill Milan’s super-slick clutch. Take out the kooky kitsch of Koons’ rabbit, and you get a hyper-contemporary accessory that goes with any color in the rainbow. At Jill Milan for $1,700.

4. Claude Monet’s “Lilacs in the Sun”: There’s nothing revolutionary about a floral print, or a foliage-filled landscape, for that matter. But when Claude Monet co-founded the Impressionist movement with his broad, chunky brushstrokes and gutsy way with tranquil garden scenes, he turned the whole concept on its head.

Victoria Beckham Floral Print Tote: Victoria’s frenetic flowers have the same effect as Monet’s landscapes. Intricate yet chaotic, this print, set on a spacious daytime tote, makes you want to look closer – and then take a step back. On Farfetch for $958.

5. Charles Searles’ “Celebration”: The Philadelphia-born artist had a major appreciation for traditional African art and paid homage with the utmost respect, not to mention verve. His most famous painting is at once timeless and modern, specific and far-reaching in impact.

Just Cavalli Handbag: If it’s something dynamic and vibrant that enthralls you, then take your bag with a hand-painted vibe, inspired by quintessential Africana. Just Cavalli’s has ethnic flair to spare. On Yoox for $499.

6. Ohara Koson’s “Peacock and Peahen on Branch”: There are few things more decadent than peacock feathers (maybe like, you know, diamonds and beluga caviar). The Japanese artist of the Shin-hanga movement presented his with a dose of Minimalism, worthy of an ancient screen.

Givenchy Handbag: You’ll appreciate the fine, artful lines of Givenchy’s delicate yet affecting pattern. When peacock feathers are magnified, they take on an enigmatic look that’s at once neutral and whimsical. On Yoox for $2,112.