Cover The Hermès Kelly (Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Much like watches and jewellery, bags make for great sartorial investments. Make sure to get your hands on the 10 classic styles you can keep (and count on) forever

We all know fashion is a great investment, but these designer handbags take it to a whole other level. With incredible resale values and timeless style, each of these pieces make a hefty purchase oh-so-worth it. Whether you’re looking to add to a collection, gift to a friend, or even pass down to your daughters, these gorgeous accessories are at the top of the list when it comes to sartorial must-haves. 

Read more: Cardigan, Shoulder Bag, Jewellery: Genderless Fashion Pieces As Worn By Celebrities

1. Hermès Kelly

Hermès’ Kelly bag was first designed around the 1930s by Robert Dumas. With its signature trapezoid shape, cutout flap, and handle with two side-straps the Hermès Kelly shot to international fame when the bag was photographed being carried by Grace Kelly, who held it over her stomach to conceal the early signs of her pregnancy. Now, the Kelly is a cult classic—favoured by fashion icons around the world. Those looking for the best Kelly to invest in would likely opt for those made from exotic crocodile or alligator leather, which are slowly being phased out by the maison. 

2. Chanel Flap Bag

Redesigned by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s, the Chanel Flap bag (also known as the 11.2 bag) is among the maison’s most iconic designs. Favoured by the likes of Alexa Chung, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Rita Ora, the Chanel Flap Bag is hard-pressed to go out of style thanks to its simple yet elegant look that's constantly being reinterpreted by the maison. 

See also: The Difference Between The Chanel 2.55 And The Classic Flap Bag

3. My Lady Dior Bag

The Lady Dior bag was first popularised by Princess Diana herself, after being photographed carrying the bag through multiple functions. Its design has stood the test of time (for 26 years to be precise) and the bag is only becoming more and more popular today. 

4. Hermès Birkin

No true Hermès collector can be considered bona fide without the Hermès Birkin. A household name at this point, the Birkin is an exclusive item that only those in the know can gain access to depending on the relationship with the Hermès salesperson, amount of time spent at Hermès, and sometimes even just pure luck. The best kind of Birkin to invest in are those in crocodile or alligator leather or those with gold hardware. 

5. Louis Vuitton Neverfull

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is a stylish tote bag that's as efficient as it is beautiful. Slim comfortable handles are juxtaposed next to a trapezoidal body that’s often designed in the house’s chic monogram. It is one of Louis Vuitton’s most successful bags and carries variations done in collaboration with special artists. 

See also: Louis Vuitton’s Iconic Capucines Bag Is An Instant 2021 Must-Have

6. Loewe Puzzle Bag

Designed by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe, the Puzzle bag is an incredibly versatile piece that can be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody bag, tote, clutch, or even backpack. It comes in various colourful iterations made from classic calfskin or soft-grained calfskin. A collectable through and through, it has been redesigned in different sizes and materials, with special iterations to boot. 

7. Dior Saddle Bag

The Dior Saddle bag has a distinctive silhouette that makes it instantly recognisable. With its gold ‘D’ emblem, it stands out as among the house’s most popular models and has been reinvented in two sizes with leather, Dior Oblique canvas, and embroidery. It has also been redesigned as a wallet and pouch due to its immense popularity. 

8. Telfar Shopping Bag

The rise of Telfar is only the beginning. Ever since it was popularised by Beyonce, the Telfar Shopping bag has become the ‘It’ thing to have, so much so that even Oprah Winfrey has one. Practical and functional, it is almost always sold out and we can only imagine what it will be worth in the future. 

Read more: Korean Fashion: 8 K Drama Stars And Their Favourite Designer Bags

9. Fendi Baguette

Fendi’s Baguette bag has an adorable rectangular shape that comes in colourful, almost whimsical designs. It achieved cult classic status after Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City fame refused to hand over her bag—“It’s a Baguette”—when she was mugged in New York. Just a few days ago it made headlines again when the iconic purple sequinned Baguette made an appearance in HBO Max’s And Just Like That

10. Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag

The Bottega Veneta Cassette bag is a fairly new design released last 2019 by Daniel Lee. Though it has a fairly new status to the maison, it’s quickly earned a reputation as a must-have thanks to its chic quilted look and padded texture that looks fetching on both men and women. 

NOW READ

5 Qualities Your Go-To Bag Needs to Have

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2022: 15 Must-Have Accessories

Last Minute Shopping? Here are 7 Luxury Gift Ideas You'll Find at the Newly-Opened Greenbelt 3

Topics