Welcome to our list of The 10 Best First Designer Bags!
If you are looking to buy your first designer bag, you have come to the right place! Your first designer bag should be practical, timeless and not that expensive, so here you’ll see my suggestions. I won’t include bags like the Chanel Flap or the Lady Dior, because despite being classic styles they have a higher price point that might not fit the budget of your first designer bag.
So, without further ado here are The 10 Best First Designer Bags:
1. Louis Vuitton Alma
This is a classic style from Louis Vuitton, the Alma handbag traces its origins to the Art Deco original, introduced in 1934. Rumor goes that the Alma was originally made for “Coco” Chanel as a custom order in 1925. Coco gave permission to produce the bag for the public later on. Its unmistakable shape makes this compact bag a timeless classic. There are multiple colors and materials to choose from, as well as sizes, so you can choose to 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!
2. Hermès Herbag
The Herbag is one of Hermès’ most accessible bags thanks to its canvas construction. The top flap is made from thick, durable leather and features the clou de selle closure while the bag’s body is made entirely of canvas. The top can be detached from the body, allowing for the wearer to mix and match Herbags. This Hermès purse, which also came in a backpack version, has been compared to the Kelly because of its elegant, classic style, however, the Herbag is a mere fraction of the Kelly’s price. The Herbag was discontinued in the mid-2000s and was reintroduced in 2009 as the Herbag Zip. The Zip has a few added elements intended to update the Herbag. The newer version features an external pocket, a zip pocket, and an interior removable pouch. Both the Herbag and the Herbag Zip have a top handle and a strap.
The price of a Hermès Herbag starts at $2,800, which is very affordable for Hermès standards.
3. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7
One of the newest launches of the brand this hobo bag fuses a vintage shape with a modern spirit, resulting in a beautiful bag that is quiet while still being fun. This Saint Laurent Hobo bag is neutral enough so you can pair with anything, but still interesting enough to give an exciting accent to any look. It’s compact but will still hold everything you need, the signature YSL logo at the clasp gives it major vintage appeal, and it is as timeless as it gets. Plus, its hobo shape makes it very trend-forward. This bag is new but is already iconic of the brand, it is one of the most popular bags right now.
If I had to choose one bag from the recent launches to say will become a classic, I would say is this one, this is a beautiful timeless bag you will love for many years to come and you can take it from day to a night out!
4. DeMellier Montreal Bag
DeMellier has won over just about every woman in the British royal family, specially the Princess of Whales. 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!
5. Gucci Horsebit 1955
As the legend goes, the horsebit hardware entered Gucci’s arsenal in 1953. It was Aldo Gucci—recognizing that shoppers liked a side of history with their handbags—who perpetuated the myth that the Gucci family had once been saddlemakers to nobility. Since the horsebit appeared on a handbag in 1955, that elegant hardware has become as recognizable as the Chanel double Cs. Tom Ford, Alessandra Facchinetti, and Frida Giannini all incorporated the horsebit into their designs, and current Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele has given us the latest iteration. Presented at the house’s cruise 2020 collection, the reprised Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag comes in various shapes, like tote, satchel and shoulder bag, all unified by the instantly identifiable double D-rings. After all, there’s no need for a Gucci logo when its signature hardware is present.
This bag is extremely classic and is one you can be sure you will love for many years to come.
6. Prada Cleo Bag
The Prada Cleo Bag is becoming a classic staple of the brand, it was launched in late 2020 and is more popular with each year that passes. The Cleo draws inspiration from Prada’s hobo bags from the 1990s archives and is crafted using traditional manufacturing techniques. Its construction incorporates some of the brand’s codes, including flowing lines, sloping sides and an enveloping shape. Feminine, elegant and modern, this Prada Cleo bag is made of fine brushed leather, an expression of the brand’s expertise. The Cleo bag now comes in a mini size, with a shoulder strap and also with a flap, not to mention the multiple colors, patterns and materials.
This bag will be a staple in your wardrobe. It is a chic, cool and beautiful bag that you will love for many years.
7. A.P.C. Grace Bag
If you are looking for a crossbody with a classic silhouette that will not break the bank, this is the one! Elegant by name and nature, the Grace bag makes for a polished everyday companion. In typical A.P.C. style, this accessory has a streamlined trapezoidal silhouette that’s minimally accented with golden hardware. The small size is deceptive: you’ll find two extra side pockets as well as a central compartment inside. The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear it on the shoulder or crossbody.
A practical and elegant bag this is one you will not regret buying!
8. Celine Ava Bag
The Ava was launched in Celine’s Summer 2021 collection and has been trending nonstop. The perfect embodiment of the new Celine this bag is young and stylish while still being classic and understated. Also a great example of quiet luxury this bag comes with a minimal Celine marking and no logos. This bag is a favorite of Kaia Gerber and Lisa from Blackpink but even if the crescent bag trend passes this bag is so neutral it won’t go out of style.
A minimalist and modern bag that is an amazing buy for 2023, you will love the Ava!
9. Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag
A go-to carryall that’s ready for anything, the tote might be the perfect everyday bag. The type of bag you don’t have to be too precious with because it is made for heavy wear, it comes in multiple sizes, so you can pick the best one for your necessities! Whipped up in canvas, this larger-than-life bag is printed with the style name on the front, trimmed with soft leather and topped with two leather twin handles. It has zipper closure to ensure all your belongings are secured! You can also attach a crossbody strap for easy carrying.
This bag is an amazing option given the price point, it will be your best friend for everyday wear!
10. Loewe Puzzle
An amazing crossbody option, the Puzzle is iconic and chic. Just about a year into his appointment, Jonathan Anderson added a significant handbag to the Loewe repertoire, one that gave the skills of the label’s craftspeople an especially fine showcase. Enter the Puzzle bag, which was first seen at the men’s spring 2015 show in Paris. Like all Loewe bags, the Puzzle is handcrafted in Madrid, with approximately nine pieces of leather precisely patchworked together, the process takes an estimated nine hours. The Puzzle has become a Loewe icon!
This is that rare kind of bag that combines classic styles with modernity and will not go out of style!
