Best iconic designer handbags to invest in
Very few designer handbags can claim to be ‘Iconic’, but there are a handful of styles that have stood the test of time, and we believe are still well worth the investment. So how exactly should we approach such an important purchase?
Each season we’re inundated with new shapes, prints, colours and ‘must-have’ styles that It’s not easy to make a decision. The simplest (and safest) option to be sure you’ll get maximum wear from your investment is to simply keep it classic.
Naturally, pared-down shapes in wear-with-everything colours will always pay off, and designers Chanel, Prada and Celine are a great place to start. This is something any smart shopper will already know.
Then, there’s the up-and-coming styles that have already reached cult status thanks to some serious street-style backing, and are well on their way to becoming icons. These lesser known luxury labels – think Danse Lente and Wandler - have managed to achieve the impossible, which is to produce trend-led handbags that have serious fashion appeal, but are versatile enough to work 365 days of the year.
So whether you’re in the market for something timeless and classic, or, a newer, icon-in-the-making - scroll on to see and shop our edit of the best iconic designer handbags to invest in for 2019.
Loewe Puzzle
You’ll likely have spotted Loewe’s Puzzle being toted by some of the most stylish women in fashion. Why the appeal?
As well as being seriously covetable, it’s also incredibly practical. Each size – choose between the small, medium or large – comes complete with a handy, detachable cross-body strap, and is roomy enough for all the essentials and so much more.
Chloé “C” Double Carry Bag
Chloé’s “C” bag is everything an icon should be; sleek, stylish and equally at home with workwear as it is with denim, so it’s really no wonder this modern offering has hit all the right notes with the style set. Coming in a handful of classic hues, and one or two bolder shades, this is high on our 2019 designer bag wish list.
Danse Lente Phoebe
Think iconic handbags can only ever be classic? Think again. Danse Lente’s directional Phoebe has quickly established itself as a style to be taken seriously when considering investment arm candy.
You could well choose one of the subtle shades on offer, but we truly believe the fun of this bag is all in the distinctive colour combinations, and we’re looking to the Hawaiian Blue iteration with a flash of turquoise to get our fix.
Chanel Classic Flap 2.55 Handbag
Undeniably chic, it’s no surprise that Chanel’s classic flap bag is still the most-wanted designer handbag in the world.
Debuted in 1955, Coco Chanel designed the 2.55 so to be completely hands free, and only later did Karl Lagerfeld incorporate the double C locks we now associate with the Chanel flap bag.
Each season the 2.55 is reimagined in a fresh wave of colours and textures – we’re big into SS19’s tweed iteration – but there’s also a wide array of hero styles permanently on offer in black, tan and nude to satisfy every sartorial preference.
Lady Dior
Dior’s most iconic handbag, rivalled only by the Saddle, and most famously toted by Princess Diana, is the epitome of chic.
This is the one to go for if you tend to pack light and prefer compact handbags as opposed to giant carryalls and shoulder bags. Plus, you’ll get plenty of wear from the quilted Lady Dior as unlike a giant tote, its ideal for day-to-night dressing.
Fendi Baguette
It was a big hit in the ‘90s thanks to several appearances on the arm of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, and now, thanks to the resurgence of logo mania, and fashion’s unwavering obsession with nineties style, the compact Fendi Baguette is back and every bit as cool as before.
Hermès Kelly
If you’re looking for a real investment piece, something that is sure to stick around for a life time, look no further than the Hermès Kelly.
Created in 1956, the Kelly is truly one of the most recognisable bags in the world, managing to be understated, elegant and incredibly stylish all at once. Not only that, it’ll only increase in value over time, meaning this really is the ultimate investment.
£18, 609 (second hand) | Farfetch
Coach Tabby
Relatively new to the scene, but well worth consideration is the Coach Tabby. Inspired by a 1970s piece from the Coach archives, this modern foldover style features Coach’s signature gold hardware, and thanks to some clever interchangeable straps, this timeless design can be worn high on the shoulder, across the body or tucked under the arm as a clutch.
Burberry TB Bag
It’s sleek. It’s versatile and it’s also topped with a gold monogram clasp. Does this have all the makings of an icon, and could this TB bag be Burberry’s next IT style? We say yes.
You can switch it up and carry it three ways – clutch, on the shoulder or across the body – and it comes in five super-versatile hues to suit every season and every mood. Bravo, Burberry.
Celine C Bag
We never thought it entirely possible for Celine to offer up another bag as covetable and versatile as the Trio.
After all, the clever multi-pocket design has served many stylish wardrobes well for years. Then, in 2018, Hedi Slimane introduced us to the C.
Boxy, minimalist and topped with a gold chain strap and Celine hardware – this is the soon-to-be iconic handbag our everyday wardrobes have been crying out for. Also check out the brand's Classic Bag in Box.
Wandler Hortensia
It’s not easy for new accessory brands to position themselves alongside luxury bag designers, and that’s why it’s all the more impressive that in place of other recognisable designer handbags, we’re seeing fashion’s elite carry Amsterdam-based brand Wandler instead.
Specifically, the Hortensia. Whether it’s big, medium or mini – barely a day goes by when we don’t spot this sleek top handle bag on a major influencer.
Mulberry Millie Tote
The Bayswater has held the top spot of most-wanted Mulberry bag since 2002, almost immediately after it was first released.
Until now. Meet the Millie, every bit as practical and sophisticated as the Bayswater, this shoulder bag features a drawstring fastening and is crafted from buttery soft leather for a super-slouchy silhouette.
Prada Galleria
Minimalists looking to avoid logos, heavy hardware or anything overtly flashy should turn to Prada. The Galleria is a real forever piece, a staple that’s long been adored worldwide for its simplistic design.
But that doesn’t mean boring, quite the opposite. It’s almost impossible not to fall for the sleek black silhouette, crafted from durable Saffiano leather – an ideal option for everyday use - which is finished with Prada’s subtle gold logo on the front.
Gucci Dionysus
It used to be that for a bag to acquire true icon status, it had to be relatively simplistic in design, but Gucci’s Dionysus has turned that theory on it’s head.
Whether you opt for the signature ‘GG’ logo canvas iteration, or an equally chic block colour Dionysus, we guarantee you’ll be reaching for this beautiful foldover shoulder bag now, and for many years to come.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM
When it comes to investment bags, you don’t necessarily need to spend thousands on a style that’s so luxe you barely wear it. Instead, head for Louis Vuitton, where you’ll find the perfect everyday option; the monogram Neverfull.
Big, practical and impossibly chic - this is ideal for work, or as a sophisticated travel bag, or simply as an everyday tote to style over day dresses and denim.
