The Investment Bags To Cherish Forever

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 calf hair ‘Le 5 à 7’ in chocolate-brown, 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 structured and supple versions and different sizes to suit all manner of occasions. Alternatively, there’s the drawstring ‘Jamie’ shoulder bag, the quilted ‘Icare’ or the capacious ‘Y’ tote – Saint Laurent’s chic, supersized answer to a shopper. As for evening? Pick up the ‘Icarino’ – a petite version of the aforementioned tote for evening events.

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.

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 ‘Blake’ bag 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 striking ‘Lotus’ is inspired by the fluidity of a scarf.

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 Bulldog’, meanwhile, is shaped like vintage bowling styles and is already a modern classic.

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 ‘Vain’ – it’s a chic choice for evening and has just enough room for your phone and compact. Otherwise, consider the ‘Panthea’, which has already found a star-filled fanbase in Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Jenna Ortega.