Designer handbags are not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill handbags. No, these are serious fashion statements that are superbly crafted from the finest materials and designed by the world’s best designers.
In some cases these handbags will actually appreciate in value as they become vintage works of art. Pretty cool.
10. Gucci Soho
The Gucci Soho shoulder bag is a casual yet elegant over the shoulder bag made in Italy from the finest leathers and hardware. Comfortable and easy to live with, this is a classic design from one of the best fashion houses in the world.
9. Burberry Tote
Burberry are a British fashion house that has been in operation since 1856. The Burberry Checked Patent Tote is one of the most recognisable fashion items of any description and a classic designer handbag. The small or full size Totes epitomise the design and functionality provided by this timeless women’s handbag.
8. Dior Diorissimo
The Diorissimo range of handbags combines the very best leather with timeless design and handmade construction. If you want one of the most exclusive, and expensive handbags, the optional Crocodile skin Diorissimo will provide just that, for close to $40,000.
7. Mulberry Bayswater
The Mulberry Bayswater double handled women’s handbag is a classic and timeless design. Fine, soft grain leather and the postman’s latch ooze quality of design and manufacture. An iconic handbag.
6. Yves St Laurent Clutch
The lines of this classic design are clean and elegant. Perfect to complement the most discerning women. Smooth leather, suede lining and golden hardware and clip all combine perfectly in this great clutch.
5. Prada Saffiano Tote
The Prada Saffiano Tote handbag is a double handled leather bag with exterior zip pockets, interior pockets and a snap closure. Prada is one of Italy’s premier fashion houses. Founded in Milan by Mario Prada in 1913, the firm now employs close to 3,000 staff. The Saffiano is a classic women’s tote handbag.
4. Louis Vuitton Speedy
The Speedy has an iconic monogram exterior that is immediately identifiable as a Hermes handbag. The rounded Damian canvas exterior creates a roomy interior that is ideal for carrying whatever you need. Brass fittings, leather trim and a textile lining give this bag its luxurious feel. There are optional sizes and exterior finishes and, from time to time, limited edition releases.
3. Hermes Birkin
The Birkin is a handmade, leather handbag that can be difficult to source and very expensive. It was created in the 1980’s after the then Hermes Chief Executive, Jean-Louis Dumas, found himself sitting next to actress Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. She complained about how difficult it was to find a decent leather handbag so Dumas created one for her. It is now a fashion design icon. Birkin handbags can be tailored made to a customers specifications, making this handbag a truly unique object.
2. Hermes Kelly
The Kelly bag is another iconic leather handbag from the Hermes group, this one named after actress and princess Grace Kelly. The Hermes Kelly comes in different sizes and colours. Its locks and metal hardware are made out of white and yellow gold. These bags are made in very limited quantities resulting in a very high scarcity value and purchase price.
1. Chanel 2.55 Flap
Coco Chanel created the original 2.55 handbag in the 1920’s after becoming tired of carrying her strapless handbag or purse around with her. She reprised and updated this design in the 1950’s and the resulting handbag, the 2.55, became one of the great handbags of all time. The nomenclature 2.55 refers to the date of the new design – February 1955.
The bag itself features a deep red inside lining, a built-in purse, quilted diamond or herringbone pattern on the exterior and double chain shoulder straps.
