The 14 Most Popular Designer Handbags, as Told by Experts

Every season, new handbag trends make their way into the world, and each season, we eagerly scout said accessories. Over fashion weeks and general street spotting, the fashion crowd has shown that as far as handbags go, there are a few that never go out of style. We’re seeing this right now with reissued brand icons, from Gucci’s Jackie bag to Chanel’s classic flap. New interpretations come in updated colourways from pastels to metallic options. Sometimes, though, it’s the classic designer handbags you simply can’t say no to, because they are just that: classic.

If you’re unsure about which luxury piece to splurge on, consider turning to the most popular designer bags ever. It’s no easy feat to earn such a title, and though many come attached with a pretty big price tag, they’re worth the splurge and deserve a spot in your collection.

They’ve been the most sought-after year after year (just take a look at the fashion people below as proof), and they’ll continue to be a great pick for seasons to come. The big question is which bags make an edit of such ilk?

I sought the expert insight of Rachel Ingram (@rachelingramrabin), CEO at Folk Social and previously editor-in-chief at personalised luxury shopping service Threads Styling (@threadsstyling), to find out which styles should be on the list—no questions asked.

So are you ready to see our roundup of the 14 most popular designer bags that those in the know are convinced are the most timeless? Read on to see and shop them below.

The 14 Most Popular Designer Handbags of All Time

1. Hermès Birkin

Named after Jane Birkin, this bag has been coveted since its inception in 1984. The BBC revealed how it came to be: “Its existence was a happy accident, borne out of an exchange between Birkin and former Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight from Paris to London in the early ’80s,” the BBC wrote.

As for Ingram’s take? “The Birkin is the ultimate It bag that has stood the test of time and is impossible to get your hands on! (Hasn’t everyone seen that Sex and the City episode where Samantha tries to get one? It really is like that!) Threads have sourced some of the hardest-to-find Birkins for clients, the rarest being a diamond-encrusted Himalayan Birkin. But it is a sound investment, as on average, the value of Birkins has risen by 16% year on year since 2016, with special colours rising by an average of 20%.”

Shop the Hermès Birkin:

2. Chanel Classic Flap

Nothing says luxury like a Chanel bag. The quilted flap designs have been an integral part of the brand’s history since Coco Chanel herself designed this bag in 1955—a mere two years before she created the iconic Chanel slingbacks.

“Chanel’s classic flap bags are a true collector’s piece, as they come in such a beautiful array of fabrics, sizes and colours,” says Ingram. “With green being the colour of the season, we have seen requests for green flap bags go through the roof. The flap bags never lose their value.”

Shop the Chanel Classic Flap Bag:

3. Gucci Jackie

A handbag roundup is not complete without mentioning Gucci, and the brand’s Jackie bag has become a classic. If you recognise the name, connotations with Jackie Kennedy aside, then it’s probably because you know the rich history the style has with the Italian brand.

The handbag was initially named after the late First Lady and has been a hero Gucci item for years, but for Gucci’s autumn/winter 2020 runway show, the brand relaunched with a bit of a makeover. Now, it’s seldom far from the arms of those in the know, especially in the cherry red colour synonymous with former creative director Sabato De Sarno’s tenure at the brand.

Shop the Gucci Jackie Bag:

4. Dior Saddle Bag

Dior’s first Saddle Bag debuted in 1999 when John Galliano was still at the helm of the house, and its high resale value is proof that it’s still coveted today. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Rihanna are among the celebrities who own this chic style.

The surprisingly roomy interior makes it an excellent elevated day bag option, but its sleek shoulder strap and interesting shape ensure it works just as well after dark and for formal ensembles, too.

Shop the Dior Saddle Bag:

5. Loewe Puzzle

While Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags are recognisable to the masses, Loewe bags are a bit more niche for fashion people in the know—making them all the more desirable for discerning customers.

While most Loewe bags are proving to be sound investments, the Puzzle bag is quickly becoming a timeless classic. A firm favourite for the street style set since its inception in 2015, the iconic shape is updated every season in new dreamy colour combinations. As the bag’s inventor, Jonathan Anderson, departs the brand for Dior and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez take the reins, we have our eyes kept close to the ground to see what’s next for this brand.

Shop the Loewe Puzzle Bag:

6. Toteme T-Lock

Toteme’s approach to slow fashion is especially clear in the creation of the T-Lock bag. A refined silhouette, a practical shape and a timeless style, this bag is one that is designed to go the distance, and bring a luxury edge to all ensembles.

Crafted from smooth leather with the simple imprint of designer logos evident through the discreet ‘T’ closure, it should come as no surprise that celebrities and fashion people are swooning over this bag. With dual straps, both short and long, there’s various ways to wear this elegant piece.

Shop the Toteme T-Lock Bag:

7. Louis Vuitton Speedy

The first bag Louis Vuitton ever created, the Speedy was a surefire hit straight from its conception in the 1930s and has since been carried by some of the most glamorous women of our time. (How’s Audrey Hepburn for you?)

The original design measurements came in at 30 cm, but at Hepburn’s request, Louis Vuitton introduced a smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Speedy: 25 cm wide, which is still a very popular size today. In 2011, the Speedy Bandouliere was introduced. Bandouliere means “with a strap” in French, so no prizes for guessing what the update included. Louis Vuitton’s regular collaborations with famous artists, including Stephan Sprouse and Takashi Murakami, will also include a rendition of the Speedy, so while they’re becoming harder to come by, you can still snap up a Speedy of your own on luxury resale sites or if you’re quick once these drops hit stores.

Shop the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag:

8. The Row Margaux

Unlike many of the heritage brands in this list, The Row has managed to do something very special, and that’s create a modern icon. So beloved and classic is the Margaux that fashion insiders have tipped it as the next Birkin.

With clean lines, a simple silhouette, and understated feel, the Margaux reflects The Rows minimalist designs to a tee. Whilst other brands shout with logos, this bag is all about quite-luxury in its truest form.

Shop The Row Margaux Bag:

9. Prada Nylon

The Prada Nylon is definitely a newer classic bag, but with this style constantly selling out, we couldn’t not include it in this list.

“What I love most about this bag is its great entry price point for a designer arm candy, and that the nylon fabric is incredibly durable,” says Ingram.

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10. Bottega Veneta Jodie

“Quickly becoming a cult brand, Bottega Veneta has produced some real standout styles over the last couple of years,” says Ingram. “From the Gyoza pouch (a clutch shaped like, you guessed it, the Japanese savoury dumpling) to the Cassette bag, the high level of craftsmanship makes these bags forever investments.

“However, it’s the mini Jodie we have seen sell out time and time again. The perfect bag for both the day and as an alternative to an evening bag.”

Shop the Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag:

11. Fendi Baguette

Of all the ’90s fashion trends to make a comeback, we’re so glad the Fendi baguette decided to do so. Carrie Bradshaw’s handbag of choice (is it just us or is there a bit of a SATC theme going on here?), this bag might be small, but it packs serious fashion clout.

“The bag that never gets old and never fails to be in-demand,” confirms Ingram. “Similar to the Chanel flap, it comes in many sizes, colours and fabrics—from sequin for the evening to monogram for day. However, my ultimate is the DIY embroider-your-own version!”

Shop the Fendi Baguette Bag:

12. Celine Triomphe

When Hedi Slimane joined Celine, he did an overhaul of the iconography of the brand. Part of this was the rediscovery of the Triomphe motif that incorporates a double C in the intricate closure.

A trusty crossbody is always a win with the fashion set. Practical and sleek, the Celine Triomphe offers up the classic silhouette that can be used for everyday. It’s also features a more inconspicuous logo for the brand, meaning only true fashion followers will recognise it.

Shop the Celine Triomphe Bag:

13. Mulberry Alexa

Having launched at the very start of the 2010s, Mulberry’s Alexa bag—which was, of course, named after Alexa Chung—became an instant It bag. If you didn’t have one, you wanted one.

Now, more than a decade on, and with the British brand having hit its milestone 50th birthday, Mulberry has released the iconic bag in an updated silhouette as well as a new, more streamlined iteration of it. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want them both.

Shop the Mulberry Alexa Bag: