New year, new bag, yes? Of course! Nothing says you’ve got everything in order than a cute little practical handbag. We’ve got a line-up of the best buy luxury bags on the market, meticulously crafted, and designed to transcend trends and last you forever (that’s the hope after we spend our thousand dollar bills on our next luxury bag).
Highlights of the season include Gucci‘s Jackie bag, Prada’s iconic Cleo bag, and Chanel 22. Other noteworthy trends that have dominated the fashion scene is none other than the crescent-shaped bags. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Fendi have released their own iteration of the popular silhouette and has continued to gain popularity amongst the masses for good reason.
Here’s our top picks of designer handbags to have and hold forever.
Since it debuted in 2020, the bag has been a cult favourite seen on fashion influencers and celebs like Hailey Bieber and Sydney Sweeney. Since then, there has been different iterations of the Jodie in a super mini size (Candy Jodie) or a much bigger style (Teen Jodie). Our fave is the Mini Jodie and we’re still not over it in 2023.
It’s signature curved half-moon shape and distinctive piston hardware, has became a firm favourite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States in the ’70s. It was reintroduced during Fall/Winter 2020 season and just recently the Florentine luxury brand appointed Dakota Johnson as the face of Gucci’s best-loved bags in Spring 2023. The new and improved Jackie is more versatile as you can carry it by the top-handle or go hands-free and sling it across the body.
Also known as the quitessential French fashion girl’s It bag, the Celine Triomphe handbag is a classic, sturdy and super chic handbag. It’s a bag that transcends seasons and one that will suit your style whether you’re 17 or 70.
Fendi’s novelty bags are known to be collector items, often thrilling fans with their thematic designs and whimsical presentations. It’s safe to say that the same goes for this season’s iteration: the classic Fendigraphy.
Adding an exquisite touch (as if it required it in the first place), the circular bag also comes with large Fendi branding on the bottom, and is available in nano sizes and larger options.
With the widespread popularity of Prada’s Re-edition bag series from the early noughties going strong, it makes good sense why the brand has decided to tap into its iconic styles from the ‘90s for inspiration this season.
The Prada Cleo bag is materialised from the desire to reimagine, with fresh, contemporary updates, the brand’s famous archival bags that reigned with “It-bag” status during the ‘90s. This updated shoulder bag sports sleek curved lines with a rounded construction on the base for a soft, streamlined feel. More recently, the Cleo mini bag rendered in a seductive shade of scarlet looks to be a unique gift to ask for and cherish for life.
Add something a little playful to your list with Miu Miu’s adorable Miu Wander matelassé nappa leather mini hobo bag. Made of matelassé nappa leather, this bag by the luxury label is literally perfect for the holidays. While it may be small in size, the bag is still large enough to carry your essentials like your phone, card case, and AirPods, and is perfect if you’re going on a night out with the girls or even on your next date. Besides its silhouette, we love the sophisticated, three-dimensional effect created by the refined workmanship of the bag that instantly elevates any festive outfit. Wear it as a crossbody or over your shoulder as you make your way into the holiday season.
Another crescent-shaped bag that’s been trending is Louis Vuitton’s Loop bag. Created by Nicolas Ghesquière for the Cruise 2022 Collection, the bag boasts a half-moon silhouette along with the brand’s signature Monogram printed throughout. Here, the leather strap is also accompanied with a shorter gold chain strap, so you can switch things up – offering you more ways to carry your bag.
If what you desire is an oversized tote bag to conveniently haul almost everything you own, then Chanel’s new receptacle is what you shall seek. Rendered in a striking shade of red that’s equal parts bold and regal, the new tote bag is crafted from calfskin and comes with beautiful gold-tone metal chains.
Aside from the backpack version, the bag also comes as a tote in different sizes, for practicality.
Text: Michelle Yeoh & Shazrina Shamsudin/HerWorld