Welcome to our list of The Ultimate Guide to Designer Top Handle Bags!
With an archive hailing back to the early 19th century, top-handle bags are some of the most elegant bag options. The leather top-handle bag is a must-have for pairing with workwear and everyday outfits with a timeless, feminine style. Few things are more classic and chic then a top handle bag, and here I’ll show you 10 of the most iconic bags that are worth the investment!
So, without further ado here are 10 Top Handle Bags That Are Worth the Investment:
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.
The Kelly is sold in Hermès stores for around $9,000 and can be sold in the resale market for more than $20,000!
2. Chanel Coco Handle
Also known as the ‘Flap Bag with Handle’ Chanel released this bag in 2015. The style received mixed reviews at the time. Critics said it was too similar to other Chanel styles. However, the Chanel Coco Handle has stood the test of time and is a fond favorite among many Chanel enthusiasts. The Chanel Top Handle features Chanel’s classic codes we all know and love, like the diamond quilting, the flap, the interlocking CC logo, and the chain strap, but with the addition of its distinctive feature: the top handle. This style has been growing in popularity with each year that passes.
This is a beautiful Chanel bag that is a little less serious that the classic styles is a great investment bag! In 2022 it sold for 104% its original price according to the RealReal!
3. Moynat Réjane Bag
A quiet brand that is chic and understated, the bags are handmade with some of the best quality you will ever find and the Moynat Réjane is one of their most iconic bags! The Réjane, which was first made in 1903, was named after Gabrielle Réjane, a prominent figure in French theater. It was the first ever bag to be named after a star. The simple, feminine lines are reminiscent of classic Moynat trunk detailing. Each bag takes a single artisan 20 hours to make using the intricate method known as bords francs, which exposes the leather edges of the piece all at once. This timeless design is completed by the jewel-like, Art Deco-inspired clasp, the bag also has a removable shoulder strap that allows for multiple ways of wearing it.
This bag is chic, quiet and timeless, all you could need in a designer bag! It is also a bag not many people know, so you can be sure you won’t see it everywhere.
4. 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!
5. Delvaux Tempête Bag
With quality, history and princes that rival Hermès, Delvaux bags are some of the most amazing you will ever find! The 1967-original Tempête shape served as inspiration for the Tempête, which provides a timeless design for daily use. The Tempête is one of Delvaux’s most recognizable bags thanks to its graphic lines, which were inspired by the trapeze of a sailboat, and unique jewel-like silver studded clasps. The Tempête can be worn in a variety of ways because it can be worn with or without a strap. Additionally, its distinctive studded clasps, which can be worn open or closed to provide two different attitudes and styles, give a refined glamour.
Some people say this bag served as an inspiration for the Birkin bag, it is a timeless bag you will love your whole life!
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. Aspinal of London Mayfair Bag
The Princess of Whale’s Kate has proven herself as a huge fan of British brand Aspinal of London after carrying their chic styles on multiple occasions. The iconic Mayfair offers refined vintage styling with a contemporary flair, perfect for transitioning from weekday meetings to evening events. Handcrafted from the finest full-grain leather, the compact design features the recognizable signature shield lock synonymous with this memorable collection, which opens to unveil a luxurious grosgrain lining with a central zipped compartment and open pockets to either side. You can carry it by the top handle, or wear across the body using the detachable chain strap. Elegant and timeless this is a bag meant for royalty, it would be an amazing addition to any handbag collection!
This bag is just as amazing as any designer bag on the market, but for a fraction of the price!
8. 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. It’s 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!
9. Ralph Lauren RL50
Drawing inspiration from one of Mr. Lauren’s personal travel bags, The RL50 Handbag is defined by its belted silhouette and elegantly curved bar topline. This bag encapsulates Ralph Lauren’s commitment to preserving artisanal leatherworking traditions, as it is entirely handcrafted in a family-owned Italian studio. Completed with “RL”-engraved protective feet at the base, this icon was conceived in 2018, the year of Ralph Lauren’s 50th anniversary. The iconic silhouette merges codes from Ralph Lauren’s heritage: city sophistication, equestrian inspired details, and the finest quality of leather craftsmanship. The bag is available in different sizes, colors, materials and prints.
This could be an amazing work bag; it is big enough to fit all your essentials while looking elegant at the same time.
10. Valextra Iside Bag
Italian handbag brand Valextra was founded back in 1937, and its signature Iside bag is the ultimate quiet luxury piece. The triangular handbag has a recognizable if-you-know-you-know silhouette, but it doesn’t have the shouty branding you’ll find with other designer brands, so it’s a discreet option that won’t date easily, which, given the price, is essential. Expertly crafted by one of the label’s skilled artisans, this bag boasts a roomy interior and features a slender top handle and a detachable shoulder strap so you can opt to wear it crossbody or carry it by the top handle.
This is a classic bag that will never go out of style and that not many people know.
