The Best Designer Bags of All Time, According to the Experts

While trends, by nature, come and go, the best designer bags are a different story all together. They transcend seasons—years, even—and therefore make wise investments for those in the know. Pick the best designer bags, and the value of your style may even increase over time. According to Cynthia Morrow, co-founder of More Luxury Club, a luxury bag co-ownership programme, "Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel have all seen a 55% increase in price in the resale market, compared to their retail price of late. With such impeccable quality, they make special heirlooms to hand down over generations."

Whichever way you cut it, though, a designer bag is still a hefty investment in the first place, so it's a decision you're going to want to think long and hard about. With so many styles out there, and new "It" designs being released every season, it can be hard from the outset to know which are actually classic enough to have staying power.

That's why we're here today, to help guide you if you're looking to make a luxury bag investment, into choosing the best designer handbags that you'll be able to cherish forever. The Who What Wear team collectively have decades of experience working in the fashion industry, and we've seen many an "It" bag come and go (and come back again). We've also seen which styles have endured—and it's those that are truly worth your money. So I brought the question to the wider team, and I reached out to industry experts to ask their opinions and together we've curated the ultimate list of the best designer bags of all time.

Of course, buying a bag that feels extremely special and right for you is a very personal choice. You might want a very recognisable logo to elevate all your outfits, or a more subtle design that speaks more to a quiet luxury. Your life might call for a more roomy tote bag, to throw everything in for work, kids or travel. Or you could be after something more compact, like a classic crossbody which works for both day and night. These bags may be luxurious, but they're also made to be used, after all. All of these factors we've taken into account and, in my opinion, there's something below to suit every taste and requirement.

So, whether you're looking to treat someone else and completely nail your gift choice, or treat yourself (rightly so), scroll down to get inspired by the ultimate list of the best designer bags of all time, according to the experts...

The Best Designer Bags, According to Experts

1. The Row Margaux Bag

Style Notes: The Row Margaux bag embodies minimalist luxury with its structured yet relaxed silhouette. Crafted from high-quality leather, it features subtle gold-tone hardware and a spacious interior with practical compartments. Available in various sizes, it's versatile for everyday use and professional settings. Ideal for those who appreciate refined, understated elegance, the Margaux bag is a timeless investment piece for any wardrobe.

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2. Chanel Classic Flap Bag

Style Notes: Of course, it doesn't get more timeless than a Chanel flap bag. Whether you opt for a vintage 2.55 invented by Coco Chanel herself in 1955 with an understated turn lock, or Karl Lagerfeld's famous classic flap bag—designed in his first year at the house in 1983 with the addition of the Double C logo—you can be confident that your choice will never go out of style.

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3. Hermès Birkin & Kelly

Style Notes: Hermès bags might be a significant investment, but they're considered valuable collectors items which may even increase in value over the years. A Birkin is arguably the ultimate designer handbag, no questions asked. But in my opinion the slightly more triangular Kelly, with its minimalist hardware and top handle that feels more modern. Fashion people are opting for smaller sizes these days (25-28 rather than the more roomy 35) and wearing with a crossbody strap over everyday outfits to elevate them instantly.

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4. Bottega Veneta Andiamo

Style Notes: Bottega Veneta's Andiamo has been one of the top-selling bags on Who What Wear UK for a few years now. Although its not necessarily been seen everywhere on celebrities, influencers and It girls, that's the charm of this understated, hands-free crossbody. In fact, opting for a bag design that isn't all over Instagram is one of my top tips for ensuring your investment has longevity. It features the heritage house's iconic woven Intrecciato leather pattern (first introduced in the 1960s), and so insiders will recognise its quiet luxury instantly. But the avoidance of shouty logos or "trendy" design features means this practical bag will feel relevant for many years to come. Who What Wear's Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans agrees, and says she's "been obsessed with Bottega's understated Intrecciato patterns since previous creative director Daniel Lee first re-introduced it, and arguably re-invented the brand at the same time. Where the Andiamo narrowly beats the the Jodie bag, for me, is with it's size and versatility."

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5. Gucci Jackie

Style Notes: First released in 1961 and later renamed in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Gucci Jackie bag is a true fashion icon with a fascinating backstory. It wasn't just its sleek, curved shape and signature piston closure that made waves—it was also Jackie O herself, who was frequently spotted with the bag tucked elegantly under her arm. Since then, it has been reimagined by some of Gucci's most celebrated creative directors, including Tom Ford and Frida Giannini, and, more recently, Alessandro Michele. Loved for its timeless appeal and rich heritage, the Jackie 1961 remains a go-to for those who appreciate understated luxury with a touch of retro charm.

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6. Loewe Basket Bag

Style Notes: When summer rolls around, there's one bag we see everywhere: the Loewe Basket Bag. First introduced by Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson in 2017, this now-iconic design blends natural handwoven palm leaf with luxurious leather details, making it the perfect mix of laid-back and polished. Loewe, known for its meticulous craftsmanship since 1846, brings a modern touch to a classic straw bag—perfect for beach days or city strolls alike. Its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality materials have made it a cult favourite, especially among the style set.

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7. Alaïa Le Teckel

Style Notes: One of the most newly-released bags on our list, but its influence cannot be ignored. Alaïa’s Le Teckel bag is a masterclass in understated luxury, combining the brand’s signature precision craftsmanship with a sleek, modern silhouette. Named after its elongated, east/west shape, Le Teckel is both playful and sophisticated. Crafted from the finest leather with meticulous attention to detail, it embodies Alaïa’s dedication to structure and form. The bag’s compact yet practical design makes it a versatile choice for day-to-night styling, while its unique shape sets it apart from more conventional luxury handbags. With its minimalist aesthetic and timeless appeal, Le Teckel is not just a fashion statement but a collector’s piece, cementing its status as one of the most coveted designer bags in the luxury market right now.

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8. The Row Park Tote

Style Notes: At perhaps the complete opposite end of the designer bag spectrum, this one's for all you minimalists out there. If you've got money to spend on quality, yet don't feel the need to show off with designer logos, The Row's Park tote is the one for you. You'll be in good company—Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and many more A list celebs and models are also fans. The ultimate in quiet luxury, the buttery soft leather and slouchy shape speak for themselves here, and we all like what it's saying.

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9. Saint Laurent Logo Bags

Style Notes: If you're looking for something to impress, something elegant and timeless, that screams "designer luxury" to make all your outfits look better—I would always recommend a classic black and gold Saint Laurent logo-ed style. Beauty Editor, Eleanor Vousden agrees. "I've always been drawn to Saint Laurent's bags. In fact, I bought my first designer bag from the brand, the Kate crossbody in black with gold hardware, which I invested in to use for evenings or special occasions. But what really made me fall in love with the bag is the instantly recognisable logo. If I were to invest in a daytime bag, I'd choose the Solferino bag, which I also think is a timeless classic." Whether you're looking for a does-everything bag like the brand's most-popular LouLou style, a more modern take with the Le 5 à 7, or an evening bag that you'll wear forever, you really can't go wrong with Saint Laurent.

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10. Bottega Veneta Jodie

Style Notes: So many of Daniel Lee's designs for Bottega Veneta, or "New Bottega" as the zeitgeist liked to call it, went completely viral and became coveted cult accessories from the outset. It's the handheld Jodie, though, that has proven its staying power, and remains one of the brand's best-selling designs. It's unsurprising, really, as the label's heritage Intrecciato woven leather combines with the squishy, knotted shape to create the ultimate modern classic. The Jodie comes in all different sizes to suit your needs, from large to 'candy' (teeny, tiny by the way). But, personally, I feel the size that is really worth investing in is the mini, which sits at a more reasonable price point and makes for the ultimate evening or event bag.

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11. Loewe Puzzle

Style Notes: A modern classic, Loewe's Puzzle was the first completely original new bag designed by current creative director Jonathan Anderson. Impressively, 11 years on it's still one of the brand's most-coveted accessories. The roomy, contemporary silhouette with its top-handle and practical crossbody is instantly recognisable. But paired with the sumptuous leather that the Spanish brand is so well known for, in a palette of luxurious neutrals, it's no surprise the puzzle has gained 'classic' status. Never one to sit on his laurels, Anderson recently reimagined the Puzzle in the form of the new Hobo shoulder shape, which has now gone straight to the top of my most-wanted bag list. And the classic shape has been reimagined in a lighter form.

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12. Celine Triomphe

Style Notes: If you're looking for ultimate luxury that you can use everyday, it has to be Celine's Triomphe bags. The French label's pared-back bag designs let the logo (known mostly to insiders) speak for itself, and buttery soft leather finish off the look effortlessly.

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13. Toteme T-Lock Bag

Style Notes: The Stockholm-based label, Toteme, is know for its understated, timeless designs. When it entered into the handbag category, the same refined feel and slow approach to fashion was prevalent in the creation of the T-lock bag. The silhouette is sleek, unfussy and crafted from a supple leather that gives a malleable effect to the bag. Various shades and two sizes later, it's become an iconic piece for in-the-know fashion people.

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14. Savette Symmetry Bag

Style Notes: From the designer who launched some of the most iconic handbags at Coach, The Row and Khaite, Amy Zurek launched her own label, Savette, and immediately the fashion world took note. The Symmetry bag is one of the most iconic of the collection, featuring an elegant rectangular shape. It's a bag that transcends moving trends, remaining eternally graceful no matter the day.

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15. DeMellier New York Tote Bag

Style Notes: DeMellier's New York Tote easily has the most affordable price tag of all the bags on this list. But that doesn't take away from its timeless elegance. The bag comes in four styles; a cute bucket bag in standard and large, and two sizes of its tote. It's the tote that gains the most attraction, with high quality leather, gold buckle detailing and a spacious interior, it sets itself up to be the polished everyday companion for those who carry a little more.

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16. Prada Nylon Bag

Style Notes: Despite being designed over twenty years ago, Prada's re-nylon mini bag claimed fashion data and search platform Lyst's illustrious "bag of the year" title in their 2022 Year in Fashion review. There's just something about this small but mighty shoulder bag that feels youthful and fun, but the simple triangular logo and un-fussy design means it stays classic too. According to Lyst, searches for the bag increased by 131% over the summer, with over 4.2million views on the hashtag #pradanylonbag on TikTok.

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17. Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: The clue to this bag's timelessness is in the name. The now-famous metal horsebit detailing is one of Gucci's most iconic house emblems—first designed in 1953, and first used on a handbag in 1955. Almost seventy years later, it remains one of the brand's most coveted designs. The modern Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag was then creative director, Alessandro Michele's neoclassical interpretation of the original, re-introduced in 2019, and is Managing Editor Poppy Nash's handbag of choice right now. "There's something special about the Horsebit 1955. The iconic gold hardware, the long shoulder strap, the boxy satchel-esque shape. With its sleek minimalism and versatility, there's no doubt this bag will feel just as elegant in another seventy years' time. You simply can't go wrong with the OG black leather iteration," she says.

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18. Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Style Notes: If you or that special someone is looking for a carry-all tote that is hard-wearing, timeless and can take them from planes to school pick-ups and from meetings to drinks—Louis Vuitton's Neverfull tote should be the bag of choice. Although in the Noughties the loud, colourful LV logo became synonymous with It girls, from Paris Hilton to Nicole Richie, the brown and beige iteration has stood the test of time and now feels like a neutral. In fact, Cynthia Morrow of More Luxury Club confirms that any bag with the famous monogram still makes it onto their most-wanted bags list. After all, it's been used by the house since 1896—proof, surely, that it will never go out of style.

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19. Dior Lady Dior

Style Notes: The Lady Dior is one of the most iconic designer handbags, celebrated for its timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and rich history. First introduced in 1995 and famously associated with Princess Diana, the bag quickly became a symbol of sophistication and luxury. Crafted with Dior’s signature Cannage stitching and featuring structured yet feminine lines, the Lady Dior is meticulously handmade from the finest materials, ensuring both durability and beauty. Its versatility, available in various sizes, colours, and finishes, makes it a perfect companion for both day and evening wear. The addition of the signature "D.I.O.R." charms adds a touch of modernity, while its classic design ensures it never goes out of style.glamour

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20. Fendi Baguette

Style Notes: It wouldn't be a list of the best designer handbags, without a Fendi Baguette on here now, would it? Like many of the other designs I've mentioned, it truly deserves a place in this edit after already proving its longevity. Carrie Bradshaw may have made us all fall in love with the fun shoulder style, but its throw-on Nineties shape and timeless vintage-appeal have allowed it to remain the most coveted shoulder bag, long after Sex And The City wrapped. And in a break from the tradition of this list, in my opinion the more fun the Fendi, the better it is. The Baguette is a bag you can truly indulge your inner maximalist with—from all over FF logos to metallic gold and embellishments. It's also a bag that works whether you're 16 or 60, and I don't think that will ever change.

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21. Metier Vérité Bag

Style Notes: Born in London and crafted in Italy, Métier has quickly made a name for itself as a brand that specialises in well-made, beautifully designed leather goods. Each piece demonstrates an incredibly thoughtful approach to design, focusing on not only the look but also the practicality of each piece. The Vérité comes in various forms, from the weekender-style large tote to the delicate mini style.

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What Designer Bags Hold Value?

Certain designer handbags are renowned for their high resale value, often appreciating over time. Notable examples include the Hermès Birkin, which has seen value increases of up to 138% on the resale market, Chanel's Classic Flap, a timeless piece that consistently appreciates, with the small Flap bag being especially sought after, and the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, which continues to top most-wanted lists owning to its exclusivity.

Are Designer Bags Worth Investing in?

This, of course, is subjective. Some will say yes, others will see value in spending their money in other ways. But investing in designer bags can be worthwhile, especially when selecting pieces from brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, which boast average value retention rates of 110%, 82%, and 81% respectively. It's essential to approach such investments with caution. Market trends can fluctuate, and not all designer bags will appreciate in value. It's advisable to purchase bags you genuinely appreciate, ensuring personal satisfaction regardless of their financial performance.

How Should I Store Designer Bags?

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the longevity and value of your designer handbags. Always store bags upright to help them retain their shape, while clutches should be laid flat. Avoid hanging bags, as this can cause strain on the handles and distort their structure over time.

Keep your handbags in their original dust bags and, where possible, in their boxes, ensuring the lids remain slightly open to allow for air circulation.

To preserve their form, fill bags with acid-free tissue paper or bag inserts, but avoid overstuffing. Ensure there is ample space between each bag on your shelf to prevent them from being squashed or misshapen.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends we see at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in the fashion world. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.