Welcome to our list of The Ultimate Guide to Designer Shoulder Bags!
One of the most classic bag options of all time, the shoulder bag never fails to deliver on both style and function. A good shoulder bag has the power to elevate any look, it is an easy way to make any outfit a little more stylish. Here I’ll show you some of the most classic and iconic shoulder bags ever!
So, without further ado here is The Ultimate Guide to Designer Shoulder Bags:
1. Fendi Baguette
It was 1997, when minimalism was all the rage, that Fendi launched the first It Bag in history, the Fendi Baguette. The bag was anything but minimalist, but because of its iconic style and pop culture it became one of the most important bags in fashion history. The bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi. It was intended to be worn under the arm in the very same way French people are usually seen carrying their baguettes. The bag was a breakout success. More than 100,000 bags were sold in the first year alone, and its appearance in Sex and The City solidified it’s place as the ultimate It Bag.
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!
2. 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.
You can wear the Prada Cleo to any occasion, it is a chic, cool and beautiful bag that will never go out of style!
3. Dior Saddle Bag
The Saddle Bag was first created in 1999 at the peak of John Galliano’s Dior tenure. Its initial appearance toed the line between what was considered high fashion and, for lack of a better word, ugly. In the early 2000`s the bag was sported by everyone, from Beyoncé to Carrie Bradshaw. The bag is intended to be worn short trapped and tight against the arm like a saddle, hence the name. After the enormous success of the bag in the 2000’s, the bag was discontinued in the 2010’s. In 2018 Maria Grazia Chiurri relaunched this bag and it has since become a part of the classic styles of the brand. The Dior Saddle bag takes its cues from the equestrian world. The inspiration can be seen in the graphic design with the now iconic asymmetrical flap.
One of the most classic shoulder bags ever, the Saddle is an icon!
4. 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. It now comes 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!
5. Chanel Classic Flap
The Chanel handbag that would ultimately become synonymous with the brand was not created until 1983. The Chanel Classic Double Flap was first introduced when Karl Lagerfeld became creative director and decided to reinterpret Chanel’s iconic 2.55 Flap Bag. From his artistic vision came two new features – a leather woven chain and Double C turn-lock closure. Lagerfeld’s Classic Double Flap was a breakout success.
Almost forty years later, and out of all the Chanel handbags on the market, the Classic Double Flap remains one of the most sought-after pieces ever crafted.
6. Coach Tabby Bag
This is a baguette bag that will always be stylish! A modern take on an archival 1970s Coach design, the structured Tabby shoulder bag is crafted in polished pebble leather, or with a pillow finish. This bag was super popular in the 2000’s and now it is trending once more! If you’ve been searching for a bag that will take you through season after season, year after year, this style has the perfect forever-chic look. The style’s divided interior helps keep essentials beautifully organized. While interchangeable shoulder and crossbody straps offer styling versatility.
An amazing alternative to the Fendi Baguette this bag is an icon and belongs in The Ultimate Guide to Designer Shoulder Bags!
7. Louis Vuitton Twist
Crafted from the House’s emblematic Epi leather, the Twist chain bag features the now-iconic LV Twist lock, a sculptural signature in silvery polished metal. Unexpectedly roomy thanks to the cleverly designed “wave” base, this beautifully made bag is a fashionable day-to-evening companion. The sliding chain strap can be doubled for shoulder carry or lengthened for cross-body wear. A New Classic of the House, the Twist bag was introduced at the 2015 Cruise show. A departure from the brand’s signature monogram print, the Twist is neat and compact. It is also available in an assortment of colourful shades and patterns. There are neutrals too of course, in a muted palette of black, brown and beige.
This is an amazing shoulder bag you will love for many years to come!
8. Valentino Locò Bag
One of Valentino’s newest bags, as seen in its resort 2022 collection, is one of those retro-inspired bags that is super popular now! Dubbed the Valentino Garavani Locò bag, the accessory essentializes the meaning of ‘locomotive’, with ease of movement and mobility serving as inspiration. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli presents the design in a few contemporary colorways like black, pink and yellow. As versatile as it is stylish, it sports two detachable handles, making it a top handle, crossbody and clutch all-in-one. Perfect for any occasion!
This is a super stylish shoulder bag you would be wearing on repeat!
9. 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!
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 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. It comes in a looped-handle silhouette that looks very modern.
The most classic shoulder bag of the brand, the Jodie belongs in The Ultimate Guide to Designer Shoulder Bags!
