Welcome to our list of The Most Classic Designer Bag of Each Brand!
In the world of luxury fashion, brands are always launching new and trendy bags, but there are also those classic and iconic styles that will always be favorites! Here I’ll show you the most classic bags of 10 iconic Maisons, they are bags that are always worth the investment. The bags you’ll see here are fail-proof buys, you will love them for many years to come!
So, without further ado here are The Most Classic Designer Bag of Each Brand:
1. Hermès – Kelly Bag
Émile-Maurice Hermès was the creative mind behind the first Hermès accessories. After the invention of the automobile, Émile-Maurice diversified the Hermès offerings with an array of products that reflected the changing times. Among his many contributions was the ‘Sac à dépêches’, which was produced in 1935 for his wife to carry. The bag would go on to achieve worldwide recognition 20 years later, when in 1956 Princess Grace Kelly used her ‘Sac à dépêches’ to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi. In an early instance of what might today be described as ‘viral marketing’, Hermès received so many requests for ‘The Kelly Bag’, as it became immediately known, that it was renamed in honor of the princess.
Today an icon of elegance and sophistication, the Kelly is one of the most sought-after bags on the resale market, selling for multiple times its original value. The price of a Kelly bag when you buy from an Hermès store varies from $9,000 to around $12,000.
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 – Bamboo 1947 Bag
In post-war 1947, when traditional materials were difficult to find, Guccio Gucci and the House’s Florentine artisans decided to use the lightweight, durable bamboo for the handle of a new bag, forging an instant emblem. A material that speaks to the long-lasting traditions that come together to create Gucci’s heritage, this bag’s bamboo handles are curved using a flame. Alessandro Michelle brought the Gucci Bamboo back in his Aria collection in 2021, with options in leather and logo canvas. The style is enriched by a detachable Web strap that allows the accessory to be worn on the shoulder or as a top handle.
Classic, yet contemporary at the same time, and designed to be worn again and again, Gucci’s Bamboo bags are timeless pieces meant to be kept forever.
4. Louis Vuitton – Speedy Bag
The Louis Vuitton Speedy was first introduced in the 1930s but remains one of the most recognizable and popular styles of all LV bags. The LV Speedy purse was designed in response to advances in public transportation and the new need for a compact lightweight bag that was also large enough to hold your daily necessities. The shape is a mini version of the Louis Vuitton Keepall. This Louis Vuitton bag was made popular in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn was seen carrying the Speedy multiple times, people say the bag was designed especially for her. The original Louis Vuitton Speedy bag was designed without a strap, but in 2011 Louis Vuitton released the Speedy Bandoulière with an adjustable shoulder strap that can be removed.
Until this day the Speedy remains one of the most collectible Louis Vuitton bags.
5. Dior – Lady Dior Bag
The most classic of all Dior bags the Lady Dior is an icon. In 1995, Dior created what would become the most important bag of the maison, it was designed especially for Lady Diana and gifted to her while she was in a visit to Paris. Shortly after, the Princess was photographed several times with the bag on her arm. Described as “iconic” and “legendary”, Dior launched the bag in a larger series and changed the name to the “Lady Dior” in 1996 with Princess Diana’s blessing. Over the decades, the Lady Dior bag has been established as an enduring icon of the House. It’s most notably distinguished by its structured shape, geometric Cannage topstitching and ‘D.I.O.R.’ charm. The Lady Dior is perfect for every occasion, it goes from day to evening seamlessly!
Now Dior is also offering the Lady Dior East-West and the Lady D-Lite bag, both amazing alternatives to the classic Lady Dior!
6. 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 bag to buy in 2023!
7. Saint Laurent – Sac de Jour
The most classic of all Saint Laurent bags the Sac De Jour was designed in 2013 by then creative director Hedi Slimane. The Sac De Jour or bag of the day was inspired by the Hermès Birkin and is one of those bags that will never go out of style. This bag also does not have flashy logos, only a small Saint Laurent Paris marking near the top. This bag is elegant, chic and fashionable and with the different sizes offered they can easily go from work, to lunch, to a night out.
This is an investment bag that you will not regret buying.
8. Fendi – Baguette Bag
In 1997 when Prada minimalist bags were all people wanted, Fendi launched the first It Bag in history, the Fendi Baguette. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, she christened the bag the Baguette because this shoulder bag was made to sit comfortably under the arm in the very same way that the French are usually seen carrying their baguettes. Since its introduction, the Baguette instantly became one of the most sought-after bags in the fashion world, and more than 100,000 of these babies were sold in the first year alone. Over time it has evolved into different sizes, materials and colors, each new season there is a new Fendi Baguette for us to fall in love with!
Today, 25 years after its debut, the Fendi Baguette, remains a stylish it bag that is iconic of the brand and one of the most classic designer shoulder bags!
9. Celine – Classic Box Bag
If your ideal everyday bag is a crossbody, the Celine box is one of the mots classy you’ll ever find. The Box bag was launched in 2011 and it was an instant hit! This bag is at the same time contemporary and classic, is the perfect day bag and would probably be one of the most used bags in your collection. As always when it comes to Celine, this bag is crafted with the best materials and incredible craftsmanship. There is even on in lizard skin if you like exotic leathers. This bag has a classic flap style with a structured silhouette and an adjustable strap, that allows you to wear the bag crossbody or over the shoulder. This bag is a Phoebe Philo design but is also modern and fits the new Celine style.
Minimalist, elegant and classic, you cannot do better than the Celine Box!
10. Bottega Veneta – Jodie Bag
The Jodie is the most classic style of Bottega Veneta, it was originally designed in the 90’s and Daniel Lee brought it back in different sizes and materials. The mini Jodie was perhaps the most popular bag of 2021, and the maxi size has also been trending. The Jodie bag is the perfect combination of Bottega Veneta’s history with Daniel Lee’s iconic style. From its sumptuous leather to the minimal yet elevated shape, it’s not difficult to get why the bag has a growing legion of fans.
It is made from nappa leather in the house’s notable intrecciato weave and comes in a looped-handle silhouette that looks very modern.
