Welcome to our list of the 10 Luxury Bags That Withstood the Test of Time!
When it comes to handbags, past performance is indicative of future performance. If a designer bag has been a classic for for dozens of years, it will continue to be a classic forever! Here I’ll show you 10 iconic bags that will always be classics.
So, without further ado here are 10 Luxury Bags That Withstood the Test of Time:
1. Hermès Kelly Bag
In 1935 Émile-Maurice Hermès diversified the brands offerings designing a bag for his wife to carry. Called the Sac à Dépêches the bag was practical and elegant with a classic style. The accessory achieved worldwide recognition in 1956 when the American actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly used her Sac à Dépêches to cover her pregnant belly. As soon as the photo of that is published on the cover of Life Magazine women from all over the world start running to Hermès asking for the Kelly Bag. In response the brand changed the bags name to the Kelly, and history was made.
Today an icon of elegance and sophistication, the Kelly is one of the most sought-after bags on the resale market, not only for its timeless style but also for the enduring allure of the woman it is named after.
2. Chanel 2.55 Bag
In February 1955, Coco Chanel created the 2.55 Flap Bag, and history was made. The Chanel 2.55 Flap signified fashion liberation: it was the first bag made for women to come with a shoulder strap, freeing them from the constraints of the impractical clutch. Rebellious and controversial, this Chanel handbag was a revelation, and women were immediately drawn in. With an emphasis on practicality, each detail – from the adjustable chain strap to the accessible back slip pocket – caters to women’s every need.
Arguably the most classic Chanel bag of all time, the 2.55 Flap bag is a timeless icon.
3. Gucci Jackie 1961
Like the enduring allure of the woman it’s named after, The Jackie is a bag that will never go out of style. In 1961, Gucci introduced a Hobo-style bag that caught the eye of Jackie Kennedy, whose husband so famously loved Gucci’s loafer moccasins. It’s said that upon seeing a paparazzi image of Jackie Kennedy with the bag (then called the Fifties Constance), the Gucci family quickly christened the bag the Jackie. The classic hobo-shape saw many iterations under Tom Ford and Frida Giannini, but its latest incarnation comes by way of Michele, who in 2021 gave us a spin on The Jackie with a bit more structure, an adjustable strap, and a piston closure. Brought back to the forefront, the recognizable shape is presented in many materials like leather and the GG Supreme canvas.
No matter which one you choose this is a beautiful bag that will be a cherished item in your wardrobe forever, perfect for any occasion!
4. Lady Dior
A bag that was designed almost 30 years ago in honor of one of the biggest style icons in fashion history, the Lady Dior is a classic! In 1995 Bernadette Chirac, then First Lady of France, requested Dior to custom design a bag for Lady Diana. The bag was gifted to the princess while she was on an official visit to Paris, it instantly became one of her favorite bags! After that Lady Diana was spotted multiple times carrying the bag, so Dior decided to change it’s name to the Lady Dior in 1996, with the princess’s blessing. Described as iconic and legendary the brand launched the bag in a larger series, becoming a favorite of Dior clients.
This is a bag that will take you through any occasion, it goes from day to evening seamlessly.
5. Prada Galleria Bag
Few things are more classic than the Prada Galleria bag, rooted in tradition, the Galleria is more than just a bag, it’s an icon. Though the bag was originally introduced in 2007, the history of the bag dates back to Prada’s humble beginnings. The bag gets its name from the “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II”, which is where Mario Prada opened his first store in Milan in 1913. A hallmark of Prada’s 21st century identity, the design was first offered in Saffiano leather – a scratch and water-resistant calfskin, a material patented by Mario Prada and still a hallmark of the brand today. Reminiscent of the frame-shapes and medicine-style bags popular in the mid-century, the Galleria bag references classic styles of the past while remaining current.
This bag represents everything that Prada’s DNA is rooted in and is an amazing work bag!
6. Fendi Peekaboo
Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi this bag was first presented at Fendi’s Spring 2009 show. This is the only bag a woman would be recommended to wear unfastened and unlocked. The Peekaboo has been designed with several compartments and a double closure so that it can be worn half-open – or half-closed. When it is only half closed, the bag hints at a color, texture, or leather creating a surprising contrast – hence its name. It comes in exotic leathers, fur and calfskin, and also comes in multiple colors, patterns and sizes. The Peekaboo is sleek, classic and timeless, and it is no surprise that it instantly became beloved amongst celebrities and stylish women around the globe.
Like a laidback version of the Kelly, the Peekaboo is a bag you can be sure you will be wearing it for many years to come!
7. DeMellier Montreal Bag
This is one of the most elegant bags you’ll ever find! This eternally chic medium sized bag plays up its triangle shape from every angle, creating an interesting structured look topped by a tubular rigid top handle. You can wear it over the shoulder, cross-body or in hand for a strikingly elegant take on the perfect everyday bag. Available in maxi, medium and mini sizes this top handle will elevate any outfit and will take you through any occasion.
Top handles are among the most elegant bag styles, this classic design will always be chic!
8. Giorgio Armani La Prima Bag
In 1995, Giorgio Armani designed his very first bag, with a timeless design this is the newest iteration of the style! Placed at the crossroads between functional and fashionable, this new creation with its rounded lines was inspired by the classic suit. Made in Italian leather, this classic bag was relaunched in 2019, with the same elegant style first designed 27 years ago. The bag is a testament to Giorgio Armani’s incredible know-how, the La Prima bag is made from leather panels that are hand-assembled. This is a minimalist bag that also has a very modern aesthetic, it comes in a few different sizes and colors.
This bag is not so mainstream, is a quiet option that will become a classic staple in your wardrobe! It is one of the 10 Luxury Bags That Withstood the Test of Time!
9. Louis Vuitton Alma
One of the most classic top-handles ever, the Alma is an icon! Rumor goes that the Alma was originally made for Coco Chanel in 1925 as a custom order. Its rounded shape and two top handles are inspired by Art Deco, it is as iconic today as it was 100 years ago. In 1934 Coco gave permission for Louis Vuitton to sell the bag to the public and history was made. Its unmistakable shape makes this compact bag a timeless classic. There are multiple colors and materials to choose from, as well as sizes. It also comes with a detachable strap so you can wear this bag as a crossbody or top handle. There is an Alma bag for every taste.
The Alma bag was the only non-Chanel bag that Coco Chanel ever carried. If it was good enough for Chanel it is good enough for me!
10. Ferragamo Iconic Top Handle
A timeless and beautiful bag this top handle will be a staple throughout your life! The Gancini is the signature Ferragamo horse shoe logo, it appeared on a handbag for the first time in 1969. Made in Italy from smooth leather, this refined bag is crafted for an elegant silhouette. It opens to a spacious interior with three compartments to make organizing essentials easy. You can attach the shoulder strap to wear it cross-body when running errands. The Iconic Top Handle bag is a re-release of one of the Ferragamo brand’s best-known styles and it embodies the many facets of the female essence, starting from the wide range of colors and materials available. It’s extremely versatile size makes it the perfect companion for any occasion. Modern, practical and feminine, this elegant compact top handle has become an icon of the maison.
A true symbol of the Ferragamo style, this bag is as unique as the woman who owns it.
