The Investment Bags To Cherish Forever
Finding a forever bag is easy with these eternally chic styles being delivered by iconic luxury fashion houses. Read on to discover your favorites…
Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7’, ‘Jamie’, ‘Gaby’, and ‘Icare’
Looking to inject your wardrobe with a touch of Parisian cool? Saint Laurent’s beautifully crafted bags will elevate even the most pared-back outfits. The maison’s quilted ‘Le 5 à 7’, for instance, is an elegant and endlessly versatile everyday bag that works as well with a suit as it does jeans and flats. First launched for spring 2021, it comes in both a structured ’90s shape and a slouchy ‘Supple’ version in two different silhouettes. Alternatively, there’s the drawstring ‘Jamie’ shoulder bag and capacious ‘Icare’ tote – Saint Laurent’s chic, supersized answer to a shopper. As for evening? Pick up the elegant ‘Gaby’ vanity bag and be ready to receive countless compliments. Très jolie!
Bottega Veneta’s ‘Andiamo’, ‘Parachute’, ‘Campana’ and ‘Bang Bang’
Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave remains one of its longest-standing house codes, making its logo-less bags instantly identifiable to those in the know. The ‘Andiamo’ tote is effortlessly sophisticated – and, thanks to its size, wonderfully practical – while the archival ‘Campana’ style has a softly structured shape that molds to the body, making it supremely comfortable to carry. For evenings or days when you have less to hold, there’s the diminutive ‘Parachute’ bag or the vanity case-inspired ‘Bang Bang’ tote. What’s more, all are included in our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted using lower-impact materials.
Savette’s ‘Symmetry’ and ‘Florence’
In just five years, New York-based brand Savette has become every tastemaker’s favorite for refined handbags with a contemporary twist – think geometric silhouettes and gleaming cylindrical hardware. Founder Amy Zurek, who cut her teeth at Khaite and The Row, is fastidious about details and draws much of her inspiration from modern art. The ‘Symmetry’ bag is defined by its clean, parallel and perpendicular lines. It’s available as both a tote (the ‘Pochette’ and the ‘Slim Pochette’) and a shoulder bag, each numbered to reflect its size. The ‘Florence’, meanwhile, is more curvaceous and embodies the time-honored craftsmanship of its namesake city, where every piece is made.
Gucci’s ‘Jackie 1961’, ‘Blondie’, ‘Horsebit 1955’ and ‘Softbit Maxi’
When it comes to handbags that stand the test of time, few do it better than Gucci – in particular, its bestselling ‘Jackie 1961’ style, which has been a must-have since the 1960s. Named after former First Lady and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy, the bag had a modern makeover and now counts Cate Blanchett and Jodie Turner-Smith among its fans. For those who love a classic crossbody, the ‘Horsebit 1955’ ticks all the boxes, and nods to the brand’s equestrian roots. Then, there’s the ‘Blondie’ – presented on the Cruise ’25 runway in London and modeled in the accompanying campaign by rock legend Debbie Harry, from whose band it takes its name, the satchel style spotlights an archival logo originally used in the ’70s. Of all the bags in the Gucci stable, this season we have our eye on the new ‘Softbit Maxi’, which reimagines the brand’s iconic horsebit and comes in a soft, huggable shape.
The Row’s ‘N/S Park’, ‘Bindle’, ‘India’, ‘Astra’ and ‘Marlo’
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand The Row has become a byword for understated luxury. To own one of its achingly cool, minimalist designs is to join a club of sorts, recognized only by the most sartorially literate. The handbags – beautifully crafted from fine leather in Italy and stamped with the most discreet, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it logos – are a perfect example of this stealth-wealth aesthetic. Introduced in 2021, the ‘N/S Park’ tote, carried by New Yorkers Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz, has a soft bucket shape and comes in three different sizes – the largest has plenty of space for a laptop or change of clothes. Joining its ranks is the ‘Marlo’, which is supple and ultra slouchy, making it ideal when traveling, and the ‘India’ and ‘Astra’ styles, both classic bowling shapes. Alternatively, carry the small, unstructured ‘Bindle’ bag to dinner.
Toteme’s ‘Belted’, ‘Day’ and ‘T-Lock’
Since it launched in 2014, Swedish label Toteme has garnered a cult following among fashion purists who appreciate clever design and craftsmanship minus the logos. The brand’s sophisticated ‘Belted’ and ‘Day’ totes are practical and timeless, while a suede clutch is an elevated choice for more formal occasions. Elsewhere, the ‘T-Lock’ bag – launched in November 2022 – comes in both a clutch and a top-handle style and is the epitome of understated elegance. No wonder Katie Holmes, who has one in every color, is rarely seen without hers.
Khaite’s ‘Kye’, ‘Audrey’, ‘Cate’ and ‘Simona’
From cool-girl ballet flats and cowboy boots to must-have chunky earrings, New York brand Khaite knows how to create a cult accessory, and its bags are no exception. Designed in collaboration with prestigious factories in Veneto and Tuscany, Italy, each style is masterfully crafted using exquisite materials, from irresistibly soft suede to plush pebbled leather in dynamic, considered shapes. Choose between the timeless ‘Cate’ bag – named after the brand’s creative director Catherine Holstein – and the elegant ‘Audrey’ tote or clutch, which comes in an array of sumptuous colors and textures. Alternatively, the ‘Simona’ is reminiscent of ’90s east-west silhouettes, while the ‘Kye’ taps into the season’s trend for baguette-shaped arm candy.
Chloé’s ‘Paddington’, ‘Bracelet’, ‘Camera’ and ‘Heritage’
For beautiful bags with boho charm, Parisian brand Chloé is a fail-safe investment. The iconic ‘Paddington’ is revived this season with a new-and-improved design to celebrate 20 years since its debut on the spring/summer 2005 runway, while the ‘Bracelet’ – another archival piece from the early 2000s – comes with a hoop handle and detachable strap. The ‘Camera’, meanwhile, takes inspiration from functional vintage camera cases and is equipped with multiple pockets. It’s also part of our NET SUSTAIN edit. Last but by no means least, the ‘Heritage’ crossbody bag comes complete with a galloping horse medallion and an elegant chain strap.
Alaïa’s ‘Le Click’, ‘Le Coeur’ and ‘Le Teckel’
The late Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa approached the body as a sculpture, crafting his masterpieces through fabric, cut and silhouette. Today, the maison’s handbags are similarly finessed: the curved shape of the new ‘Le Click’ style means it sits comfortably under your arm, while the heart-shaped ‘Le Coeur’ crossbody looks like a piece of art and is perfect for date night or as a gift for a loved one. ‘Le Teckel’ takes its name from the French word for dachshund, on account of its elongated shape, and has tubular handles – designed by creative director Pieter Mulier, it debuted on Alaïa’s spring/summer ’24 runway and is already a modern classic.
Loewe’s ‘Puzzle’, ‘Flamenco’, ‘Pebble’ and ‘Amazona’
Spanish fashion house Loewe hits the sweet spot between quirky and cool, and its accessories are always the most covetable. From the origami-inspired ‘Puzzle’ bag, which is crafted from asymmetric panels of supple leather and can be styled in five different ways, to the archival ‘Flamenco’ clutch, which first launched in the ’80s and resembles the hem of a dancer’s dress when the drawstrings are pulled, there’s a playfulness to all Loewe accessories. The ‘Amazona’ bag, which debuted in 1975 but was reintroduced on the fall/winter ’21 runway to mark the brand’s 175th anniversary, has a streamlined shape and a signature gold padlock. Finally, there’s the ‘Pebble’ tote, one of the newest members of the family, which is already an icon – expect to see this bright version on the arm of countless showgoers during fashion month.
Valentino Garavani’s ‘Nellcôte’, ‘9to5’ and ‘Vain’
In his first year as creative director at Valentino Garavani, Alessandro Michele has transformed the historic fashion house into a maximalist’s dream, with historical references, eclectic embellishments and timeless shapes making each piece feel like a prized vintage find. The clothes are, of course, magical, but the bags are pretty special, too. Inspired by the ’60s, the ‘Nellcôte’ comes in a variety of shapes – from roomy totes to compact shoulder bags – all framed with silver-tone eyelets and studs. If you’re on the hunt for a crossbody bag, then be prepared to fall head over heels for the following two styles. While ‘9to5’ is an elegant everyday option (as its name suggests), ‘Vain’ is a chic choice for evening and has just enough room for your phone and compact.
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