Fashion is constantly changing, but a select few handbags have stood the test of time—eventually becoming entrenched in fashion history.
Though it may be tempting to splurge on a seasonal handbag, there’s also the option to invest in a piece you’ll own forever, and be able to pass down to your children one day (or sell for a fantastic resale price).
Take, for example, the ‘Lady Dior’ bag, which was named in honour of Princess Diana, or the Celine ‘Box’ bag, which transcended its trendier counterparts to become one of the most memorable bags of the 2010s.
You could also shell out on a newer piece that’s firmly on the path to icon status—for example, Loewe’s summer-friendly straw raffia tote, or Gucci’s ‘1955’ horsebit bag.
Scroll down for the 10 most timeless handbags any fashion fanatic should consider investing in.
‘Lady Dior’ bag
Though Dior has produced their fair share of iconic accessories over the years, the ‘Lady Dior’ bag arguably takes the cake.
It’s no secret that Dior was one of Princess Diana’s favourite labels, and the ‘Lady Dior’ bag was named in her honour after she first wore it in 1995.
Almost 25 years later, and new iterations of the bag are still being released under Dior’s womenswear creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Prices start at $5,300, shop at Dior.
Chanel ‘2.55’ bag
The Chanel ‘2.55’ may be subtler in design than its twin, the logo-emblazoned ‘Classic Flap’ bag, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less timeless.
Due to its structure-free shape, the bag has become a perfectly durable It-girl piece—and like all Chanel bags, its value will appreciate dearly over the years.
Starting at $8,760, shop at Chanel
Hermès ‘Kelly’ bag
Named after Grace Kelly, the Hermès ‘Kelly’ bag was introduced in the 1950s, and makes for a chic, slightly more under-the-radar alternative to its sister bag, the ‘Birkin’.
Like the ‘Birkin’, however, the ‘Kelly’ is also one of the world’s most exclusive bags, and you can expect to be wait-listed several months before finally getting your hands on one.
Price on application, shop in-store at Hermès
Louis Vuitton luggage
Though Louis Vuitton may now be better known for their handbags and accessories, their iconic monogrammed luggage is what initially shot the brand to fame in the mid-20th century.
If you do a lot of travelling, it’s worth investing in a durable Vuitton luggage piece—whether it be the more affordable soft-sided ‘Keepall’ pieces, to the covetable, hard-sided ‘Malle’ luggage.
Varying prices, shop at Louis Vuitton
Anything from Prada’s ‘Nylon’ collection
Before the 1980s, leather was thought to be the most durable handbag material, but Prada’s nylon accessories changed everything.
Though they were always an It-girl staple, Miuccia Prada didn’t actually show them on the runway until the 2010s—thereby, introducing the line to a whole new generation.
Prices from $1,820, shop at Prada
Fendi ‘Baguette’ bag
As part of the wave of miniature shoulder bags that swept the 1990s, Fendi’s ‘Baguette’ bag (named for its shape, which resembles a thin loaf of bread) became instantly iconic when Sarah Jessica Parker wore it on Sex and the City.
Nowadays, it’s as popular as ever, and comes in a variety of shapes, colours, patterns and sizes.
Starting at $3,450, shop at Fendi
Dior ‘Saddle’ bag
Introduced in the late 1990s, the uniquely shaped Dior ‘Saddle’ bag found fame among It-girls of the day, but has proven its timelessness over the past two decades.
Like the ‘Lady Dior’, the ‘Saddle’ bag is still produced by Dior, and has never been more popular than it is now.
Prices start at $3,800, shop at Dior.
Loewe leather-trimmed raffia tote
Amid Jonathan Anderson’s revival of Loewe, the brand’s straw leather-trimmed tote became an instant classic.
Loved for its relatively affordable price point and durability, the tote works just as well as a warm-weather throw-around as it does a genuinely chic accessory.
Starting at $745, available at Net-A-Porter
Gucci ‘1955’ horsebit bag
Gucci may only have re-released their ‘1955’ horsebit bag in 2019, but the classic shape is modelled on similar styles from the ’50 and ’60s. The bag is available with or without the signature ‘GG’ print, and Gucci’s horsebit emblem (you know, the one on their famous loafers) only adds to the timelessness.
Starting at $1,755 available at Gucci.
Celine ‘Box’ bag
During both Phoebe Philo and Hedi Slimane’s tenures at Celine (or in Philo’s instance, Céline), the ‘Box’ bag has outlasted other seasonal pieces in becoming one of fashion’s most timeless handbags.
After Slimane joined Celine, he used the ‘Box’ bag’s silhouette to create the similar ‘Triomphe‘ bag, which we think is equally-as-chic.
Starting at $5,400, shop at CELINE
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