Every season, new handbag trends make their way into the street style world, and each season, we eagerly scout said accessories. Despite fashion weeks not taking place in real life, there are still a load of new bags coming in (perhaps, most notably, the Prada Cleo). They’re fashion-forward and have serious backing. Sometimes, though, it’s the classic designer handbags you simply can’t say no to because they are just that: classic.
If you’re unsure about which luxury piece to splurge on, consider turning to the most popular designer bags ever. It’s no easy feat to earn such a title, and though many come attached with a pretty big price tag, they’re worth the splurge and deserve a spot in your collection. They’ve been the most sought-after year after year (just take a look at the fashion people below as proof), and they’ll continue to be a great pick for seasons to come. The big question is, which bags make an edit of such ilk? I sought the expert insight of Rachel Ingram (@rachelingramrabin) Editor in Chief at personalised luxury shopping service Threads Styling (@threadsstyling) to find out which styles should be on the list—no questions asked. So, are you ready to see our roundup of the 13 most popular designer bags those in the know are convinced are the most classic? Read on to see and shop them below.
Named after Jane Birkin, this bag has been coveted since its inception in 1984. The BBC revealed how it came to be: “Its existence was a happy accident, borne out of an exchange between Birkin and former Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight from Paris to London in the early ’80s,” the BBC wrote.
As for Ingram’s take? “The Birkin is the ultimate It bag that has stood the test of time, and is impossible to get your hands on! (Hasn’t everyone seen that Sex and the City episode where Samantha tries to get one? It really is like that!) Threads have sourced some of the hardest to find Birkins for clients; the rarest being a diamond-encrusted Himalayan Birkin. But it is a sound investment, as on average, the value of Birkins has risen by 16% year-on-year since 2016, with special colours rising by an average of 20%."
Nothing says luxury like a Chanel bag. The quilted flap designs have been an integral part of the brand’s history since Coco Chanel herself designed this bag in 1955.
"Chanel’s classic flap bags are a true collector’s piece as they come in such a beautiful array of fabrics, sizes and colours,” says Ingram. “With green being the colour of the season, we have seen requests for green flap bags go through the roof. The flap bags never lose their value."
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Having launched at the very start of the 2010s, Mulberry’s Alexa bag—which was, of course, named after Alexa Chung—became an instant It bag. If you didn’t have one, you wanted one.
Now, 12 years on, and with the British brand having hit its milestone 50th birthday, Mulberry has released the iconic bag, in an updated silhouette, as well as a new, more streamline iteration of it. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want them both.
A handbag roundup is not complete without mentioning Gucci, and the brand’s Jackie bag has become a classic. If you recognise the name, then it’s probably because, technically, this bag isn’t new.
The handbag was initially named after Jackie Kennedy and has been a hero Gucci item for years, but for Gucci’s A/W 20 runway show, the brand relaunched with a bit of a makeover. Now, it’s seldom far from the arms of those in the know.
We’ll just go ahead and say it: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are basically single-handedly responsible for the popularity of this bag. They carried it nonstop in the early 2000s and it became instantly iconic.
Now, Ingram reveals its proving popular once more. "The City bag has crept back onto the agenda with its updated and more sleek redesign. The neon version is on my wish list to wear with neutral tones. Plus, the crossbody strap is a winner for me, as I like to be hands-free at all times!"
Dior’s first Saddle Bag debuted in 1999 when John Galliano was still at the helm of the house, and its high resale value is proof that it’s still coveted today. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Rihanna are among the celebrities who own this chic style.
The surprisingly roomy interior makes it an excellent elevated day bag option, but its sleek shoulder strap and interesting shape ensure it works just as well after dark and for formal ensembles, too.
While Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags are recognizable to the masses, Loewe bags are a bit more niche for fashion people in the know—making them all the more desirable for discerning customers.
The first bag Louis Vuitton ever created, the Speedy was a surefire hit straight from its conception in the 1930s, and has since been carried by some of the most glamorous women of our time (how’s Audrey Hepburn for you?).
The original design measurements came in at 30cm but, at Audrey’s request, Louis Vuitton introduced a smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Speedy: 25 cm wide, which is still a very popular size today. In 2011, the Speedy Bandouliere was introduced. Bandouliere means "with a strap” in French, so no prizes for guessing what the update included. While they’re becoming harder to come by, you can still snap up a Speedy of your own on luxury resale sites.
Don’t forget about Chloé! The iconic French house has produced its fair share of It bags over the years, but one of its newest additions is already one of its most immortally appealing.
With its clean lines, simple silhouette, expensive-looking gold metal hardware, wide leather strap, and a delicate C logo on the clasp, it’s easy to see why this bag continues to be so in-demand, a few years on from its initial launch.
The Prada Nylon is definitely a newer classic bag but with this style constantly selling out, we couldn’t not include it in this list.
“What I love most about this bag is its great entry price point for a designer arm candy, and that the nylon fabric is incredibly durable,” says Ingram.
“Quickly becoming a cult brand, Bottega Veneta has produced some real standout styles over the last couple of years,” says Ingram. “From the Gyoza pouch (a clutch shaped like, you guessed it) to the Cassette bag, the high level of craftsmanship makes these bags forever investments.
"However, it’s the mini Jodie we have seen sell out time and time again. The perfect bag for both the day and as an alternative to an evening bag."
Of all the ‘90s trends to make a comeback, we’re so glad the Fendi baguette decided to do so. Carrie Bradshaw’s handbag of choice (is it just us or is there a bit of a SATC theme going on here?), this bag might be small, but it packs serious fashion clout.
"The bag that never gets old, and never fails to be in-demand,” confirms Ingram. “Similar to the Chanel flap, it comes in many sizes, colours and fabrics—from sequin for the evening to monogram for day. However, my ultimate is the DIY embroider-your-own version!"
A few years ago, if you were to have told us we would be coveting a designer straw bag, we mightn’t have believed you, but after selling out season after season, we think Loewe’s Basket bag absolutely deserves a place on our esteemed list.
"This has become a true forever piece due to its simple clean shape, chic leather finishes and perfect, practical size,” explains Ingram. “Basket bags are something you can pull out reliably each summer and they don’t really date—buy now and you really will use it for the next 10 years!"
