Let’s talk fans
You are going to be seeing them everywhere this summer, to the point that you’ll be saying: Enough!… I want one!
Yes, friends—I’m talking about the humble (but suddenly fabulous) handheld fan. The kind you tuck into your bag, snap open with a flourish, and instantly feel 10 degrees cooler while also looking undeniably chic. I used to think of handheld fans as something my grandmother carried to church or a prop from an old movie set in Seville, but suddenly they feel so right, right now.
And it’s not just me. At every beach club, garden party, and even in the security line at the airport, I’m seeing them: colorful, crisp, and unapologetically extra. And why not? We’re leaning into maximalism this summer—after years of neutral minimalism, a little drama feels good.
And let’s be honest: they can be addictive. Once you’ve started pulling one out at brunch, at the pool, on the subway—anywhere—you start to wonder how you lived without one. You’ll find yourself scouting colors to match your outfits, gifting them to friends (“Oh, just a little something for summer!”), and inevitably catching your partner’s side-eye when yet another patterned box shows up at the door. (“Not another fan!” they’ll groan. Too late.)
My advice? Embrace it. Handheld fans are having their moment, and they are, without question, the most stylish and functional accessory you can own this summer. Below, a few I’m eyeing right now—some fun and breezy, some splurge-worthy works of art. And the good news? Since summer fashion is already in full swing, quite a few are already on sale.
Go ahead: snap one open and live your most dramatic, cool, and colorful summer yet.
The OG: the Parisian Fan House Duvelleroy
Founded in 1827 by Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy, the Parisian house brought hand fans back into fashion after a dazzling ball hosted by the Duchess de Berry. By the 1850s, their exquisite, couture-level craftsmanship earned them royal favor, becoming official supplier to Queen Victoria and winning top honors at the Universal Exhibition.
Fit for royalty… need I say more?!
Bring on the Italian drama
Rows of striped umbrellas, lively tarantellas, flowing red dresses, and creamy cornettos—embrace the full drama Italiana with this striking red-and-white hand fan, reimagined with a modern twist. Crafted by the fabulous Spanish brand Khukhu, it’s the perfect summer statement.
For the fashionistas
This fan from the Dioriviera collection is a vibrant expression of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s vision and artistry. Made from sycamore wood and cotton, it showcases the Toile de Jouy Palms motif in beige and white—a fresh spin on an iconic Maison pattern.
For the artisan lover
Guanabana’s fans are exclusively designed in Madrid and handcrafted by skilled artisans in Colombia, using the traditional Colombian technique of iraca weaving. This natural fiber, derived from the iraca palm, is harvested and boiled to produce delicate threads commonly used for hats, baskets, and other artisanal crafts.
For the budget-conscious
You do not want to overspend on a fashion trend… I get it and so does Mango. Their affordable collection of wooden fans comes in vibrant and classic colors—perfect for staying cool without breaking the bank.