Best Handbags of All Time
Suggested buying Guide
Handbags are more than just an accessory for women — they are a staple.
A quality handbag can last years and become a treasured heirloom, reflecting your style. This guide will explore some of the most iconic bag designs from luxury fashion houses that have withstood the test of time. These timeless pieces have endured for decades thanks to their unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or want to learn more about fashion history, discover the top handbags that should be on any bag lover’s wish list.
What to consider before buying a Handbag…
Here are some important things to consider before buying a handbag:
- Budget — Set a budget and stick to it. Quality handbags can range from less than $100 to thousands, so decide what you can reasonably afford.
- Occasion — Consider how and when you’ll use the bag. For work, look for durable leather or nylon. For evenings, lighter fabrics or smaller sizes work well.
- Size — Measure what you need to carry daily — phone, wallet, keys, etc. Oversized bags can be heavy when full. Opt for an organized interior.
- Material — Leather wears well but is heavier. Fabrics like nylon are lighter but can stain. Canvas is durable, but shows wear over time.
- Color — Will it match most outfits? Navy, black, and brown are versatile colors. Bright colors show dirt more.
- Hardware — Look for quality zippers and straps that feel substantial. Gold vs silver is a personal preference.
- Style — Tote, crossbody, top handle, or shoulder bags suit different silhouettes. Consider your needs and aesthetics.
- Brand reputation — Famous brands often indicate assured quality but cost more. Check reviews on lesser-known labels.
- Resale value — Investment bags from luxury houses hold their worth better for resale/passing down.
- Warranty — Ensure the brand stands by its product and will repair or replace defects.
Taking the time to consider these factors will lead to a purchase you love and that suits your lifestyle for years to come. Remember to have fun with self-care indulgences like a new handbag!
Chanel Flap Bag
The quintessential It bag, the Chanel flap bag, is arguably one of the most influential and recognizable handbag designs ever. Created by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in the 1920s, it featured a rounded top handle and an interlocking metal chain strap that allowed it to be worn in several ways. Its innovative magnetic closure set it apart, giving women a hands-free way to carry their bags securely. Chanel’s signature quilted leather and gold chain accents made a high-fashion statement that still resonates today. Nearly 100 years later, the Chanel flap bag remains an icon of luxury, status, and timeless Parisian style. No wonder new versions continue to be produced season after season in a rainbow of colors and materials like tweed, lambskin, and caviar leather.
Hermès Birkin Bag
Where the Chanel flap bag popularized the handbag as an accessory, the Hermès Birkin took it to new heights of opulence and wealth symbolism. Named after actress Jane Birkin, who reportedly grew tired of women imitating her woven bag, the Birkin debuted in the 1980s. Crafted from the finest leather, skins, and exotic materials like crocodile or ostrich, each Birkin is meticulously assembled by a single artisan over days. This bespoke treatment leads to prices often exceeding $10,000, though some one-of-a-kind versions have fetched over $200,000 at auction. Due to limited production and high demand from celebrity patrons and wealthy clientele, the Birkin has become one of the most coveted status symbols in the world. For the ultra-rich, few luxury purchases rival the prestige and investment value of this iconic Hermès carryall.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
Another French heritage house known equally for quality and status, Louis Vuitton introduced the Speedy bag in the 1930s. Designed as a small traveling bag suitable for short trips, the Speedy features the signature LV monogram canvas and gold-toned hardware. It popularized the concept of the handbag designed for “on-the-go” modern women. Several decades later, it remains one of Louis Vuitton’s bestselling designs and arguably its most iconic bag shape. The Speedy is available in multiple sizes, from mini to a 30" keep-all. While canvas versions are affordable, some are made from rare skins like Epi leather. It combines classic styling with practical features like a detachable strap and multiple compartment spaces, which continues to appeal to new generations of bag lovers.
Prada Saffiano Lux Tote
Since its founding in 1913, Prada has earned a reputation for innovation both aesthetically and technologically. One of the brand’s most legendary bag designs is the Saffiano Lux Tote, introduced in 1988. Crafted from Prada’s signature Saffiano leather, which they pioneered, this tote defined the modern workbag. The material features a unique textured-grained surface that resembles linen and is highly scratch and water-resistant. Elegant yet functional, the Saffiano Lux Tote has expandable sides, multiple pockets, a detachable shoulder strap, and a rainbow of rich colors. Thirty years later, it remains a popular and practical everyday handbag built to last for the long haul, earning it a true luxury classic.
Fendi Baguette Bag
Inspired by long French bread, the Fendi Baguette bag launched the brand into the modern It bag era during the late 1990s thanks to the TV hit “Sex and the City.” Worn by the character Carrie Bradshaw, demand exploded overnight. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, this petite shoulder bag features a rectangular, boxy silhouette, elegant top handles, and an optional shoulder strap. What truly set it apart were innovative fabric accents like grosgrain ribbons and jeweled FF logos. The Baguette sparked a trend for novelty embellished bags that weren’t afraid to make bold, quirky fashion statements. It remains one of the most influential an d in-demand vintage bags for collectors. New iterations produced annually ensure this cult favorite remains a symbol of Fendi ingenuity and Italian glamour for the new millennium.
Dior Lady Dior Bag
Introduced in 1995 after Princess Diana was frequently photographed with Dior Creative Director Gianfranco Ferre’s couture designs, the Lady Dior bag grew into one of the most iconic handbags ever. Though simple in shape, with its structured quilting, cannage motif, and gracefully rolled top handles, it became a symbol of understated elegance befitting royalty. Using the finest lambskin, experience craftsmanship creates a timeless accessory that seems impervious to trends. New colors, sizes, and materials like exotic skins have been introduced. Yet, Lady Dior remains steadfast with Diana’s legacy of poise and relaxed confidence she displayed so effortlessly to the world. No handbag represents the essence of French DNA more authentically than this tribute to one of history’s most beloved style icons.
Goyard St. Louis GM Tote
Another French leather goods house famous for innovation is Goyard, known best for its chevron pattern print handbags and luggage. The St. Louis tote introduced in 1913 is one of Goyard’s most classic silhouettes. Its structured box shape yet lightweight feel make it easy to carry substantial loads effortlessly. Later, becoming the preferred item carried by French shoppers around Paris, it grew even more popular globally in recent years. Crafted from coated canvas or luxury leather, St. Louis is surprisingly durable despite its delicate appearance. Spacious inside and out with flat surfaces, it’s ideal for daily work or travel. Its design is as timeless and functional today as when it was first created and remains the bag nonplus for the local Parisienne.
Celine Luggage Tote
Launched in 2007 as Phoebe Philo’s debut handbag for Celine, the Luggage Tote went down in fashion history as one of the greatest and most disruptive bag designs ever created. Inspired by travel suitcases with top zippers and rugged leather straps, its atypical shape defied conventions and established a new standard for cool, minimalist daily carryalls. Though larger and boxier than many had grown accustomed to, its sleek construction from grained or metallic calfskin wowed. The Luggage Tote propelled Celine into the luxury stratosphere practically overnight. Even after Philo’s departure, it retains a dedicated global cult following, appealing to downtown bohemians and style icons with its vintage-inspired, tough, luxe vibe. It's one of the most influential mainstream hit bags ever.
Chloé Drew Bag
Introduced as Creative Director Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s debut design in 2016, the Chloé Drew handbag is already being hailed as destined for timelessness. Borrowing design cues from vintage saddle bags, its soft, rounded shapes in grained leather are distinguished and relaxed. Detachable straps allow it to transition effortlessly from shoulder bag to clutch. Earning immediate comparisons to the Birkin and becoming a rare overnight viral sensation in the luxury market, the Drew appealed tremendously to younger generations seeking sophistication without pretense or rigidity. This “it” bag signaled Chloé’s revival marked by craftsmanship, femininity and enduring appeal. Few debut designs in history earned as much buzz and set a new benchmark for accessible luxury so quickly.
Handbags by heritage luxury houses like Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, and Chloé are true works of art that stand the test of time thanks to exquisite craftsmanship and iconic designs that never go out of fashion. They have evolved with each new generation yet retain an elegance and quality that make them appropriate investments. From practical leather totes to glamorous evening clutches, these bags will remain fashionable. Whether you aspire to own a Birkin, Speedy, or Lady Dior, appreciate their history and influence, or appreciate magnificent design, the best handbags are true works of art.
