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Luxury handbags hold a special place in the fashion world. As statement pieces, they encapsulate elegance, status, and timeless style. For those looking to invest in their first designer bag or add to their collection, understanding which handbags fashion experts consistently highlight helps narrow the options. This guide will cover the top 5 luxury handbags according to fashion publications and experts.
Overview of Luxury Handbags
Luxury handbags refer to designer handbags crafted by elite fashion houses using high-quality materials like leather and exotic skins. They represent the pinnacle of fashion and carry price tags in the thousands or even tens of thousands.
Luxury handbags function as status symbols and investments. Their exclusivity and scarcity drive demand. Consumers view luxury handbags as hallmarks of style, success, and even wealth.
The most coveted luxury handbag brands include:
- Chanel
- Hermès
- Louis Vuitton
- Gucci
- Dior
Owning one of their iconic, signature bags confers membership into an elite club. Luxury handbags retain or increase in value over time rather than depreciating like mainstream bags. This makes them worthwhile investments for fashion lovers.
The Top 5 Luxury Handbags
Fashion experts consistently rank the following 5 handbags as the premier luxury bags to own. They represent the upper echelon of designer handbags in terms of craftsmanship, brand prestige, investment potential and enduring fashion appeal.
1. Chanel 2.55
The Chanel 2.55 ranks as one of the most recognizable and coveted luxury handbags of all time. Created in 1955 by Coco Chanel herself, this quilted flap bag exudes timeless elegance.
Signature traits include:
- Diamond quilted caviar or lambskin leather
- Interlocking CC twist lock closure
- Woven chain shoulder strap
- Burgundy leather interior
Harper’s Bazaar praises it as “a truly great investment which will never go out of style”. Both elegant and functional, the 2.55 transitions seamlessly from day to evening. Its iconic status cements its position among the all-time best luxury handbags.
2. Hermès Kelly
The Hermès Kelly stands out even among Hermès bags for its refined craftsmanship and scarcity. Named for Grace Kelly, this structured top handle bag features:
- Rigid trapezoidal shape
- Hand-stitched leather
- Palladium or gold plated hardware
- Signature twist lock closure
With waitlists years long, the Kelly bag represents the pinnacle of exclusivity. Hermès only produces a few hundred Kelly bags annually in its French ateliers. Its exquisite craftsmanship and limited availability make the Kelly an elite investment piece.
Vogue praises the Kelly as “a shoo-in for the best investment handbag list.” For those seeking the ultimate luxury bag, the Kelly delivers heritage, scarcity, and enduring value.
3. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull enjoys immense popularity as an elegant, functional tote bag. Launched in 2007, the Neverfull shape features:
- Monogram or Damier canvas
- Vachetta leather trim
- Red microfiber interior
- Cinch drawstring sides
This spacious bag aptly named Neverfull fits everyday essentials easily. Who What Wear confirms this bestseller “paved the way for the designer logo craze.” For LV logo lovers, the Neverfull delivers on both form and function.
4. Gucci Marmont
Gucci’s Marmont shoulder bag exudes contemporary elegance with its structured chevron quilting and bold double G hardware. Signature features include:
- Matelassé chevron leather
- Antiqued gold or silver toned hardware
- Sliding chain strap
- Front flap closure
The Marmont reinvented a 1970s Gucci bag design into a modern fashion favorite. Luxactic praises its “striking GG logo motif and captivating patterns.” Fans love the Marmont for bringing vintage appeal to a fresh, stylish shape.
5. Dior Lady Dior
The Lady Dior represents the pinnacle of feminine elegance and Dior craftsmanship. Named for Princess Diana, this structured bag features:
- Quilted and cannage lambskin leather
- Dior charms and jewellery detailing
- Rolled leather top handles
- Optional shoulder strap
Harper’s Bazaar recommends the mini Lady Dior as “a chic investment piece that will stand the test of time.” With its dainty jewellery charms and understated logo, the Lady Dior conveys refined polish.
Other Top Handbag Rankings
While the Chanel 2.55, Hermès Kelly, Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Gucci Marmont and Dior Lady rank consistently at the top, other luxury handbags make appearances across fashion publications’ rankings as well.
The 10 Most Popular Designer Bags Ever According to Who What Wear
Fashion site Who What Wear compiled data on the most carried and coveted designer bags according to street style photos. Their top 10 list includes:
- Hermès Birkin
- Chanel Classic Flap
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull
- Gucci Jackie
- Celine Triomphe
- Fendi Baguette
- Dior Saddle
- Bottega Veneta Cassette
- Loewe Puzzle
- Balenciaga City
The Birkin, Neverfull, and Lady Dior rank highly here as well. See their full analysis of designer bag trends here.
Top 10 Luxury Brands You Should Invest In According to Global Brands Magazine
Luxury magazine Global Brands Magazine compiled the 10 most prestigious luxury handbag brands based on brand value, demand and reputation. Their top 10 designers are:
- Hermès
- Chanel
- Fendi
- Louis Vuitton
- Marc Jacobs
- Gucci
- Prada
- Versace
- Christian Dior
- Ralph Lauren
Once again, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior make the list. See their recommendations for luxury brands worth investing in here.
| Brand | Handbag Style |
|---|---|
| Hermès | Birkin, Kelly |
| Chanel | Classic Flap, Reissue |
| Dior | Lady Dior |
| Louis Vuitton | Neverfull, Speedy |
| Gucci | Marmont, Dionysus |
While every list differs slightly, these 5 heritage luxury maisons consistently rank among the top handbag brands. Their signature bags like the Birkin, Lady Dior and Neverfull maintain coveted “it bag” status season over season.
Why Invest in Luxury Handbags?
Beyond status, luxury handbags possess inherent value that makes them worth their lofty price tags.
Craftsmanship
Luxury handbags embody meticulous craftsmanship. Artisans hand assemble bags over hours or days using premium materials. Their labor intensive construction contributes to the high prices.
Scarcity The exclusivity of luxury handbags also drives their value. Iconic bags like the Hermès Birkin or Kelly have waitlists years long. Limited supply for high demand pushes resale prices above retail. Getting your hands on one conveys insider status.
Brand Reputation Decades of brand heritage and A-list celebrity endorsement add prestige. Luxury brands focus on maintaining an elite image through selective distribution and marketing. Owning an iconic bag like the Chanel 2.55 or Lady Dior telegraphs taste and affluence.
Resale Value Properly cared for luxury handbags retain or gain value over time. Hermès Birkin bags in particular have been known to double in resale value within just a few years. Handsome returns on investment make buying luxury worthwhile for fashion lovers with the means.
Legacy Value Beyond financial value, legacy value matters too. Heirloom quality luxury bags get passed down as treasured gems. Their timeless designs stay relevant decade over decade.
So in summary, luxury handbags merit their premium prices through craftsmanship, scarcity, brand prestige, resale value and legacy. While expensive, they deliver outstanding cost per use over their lifetimes. For fashionistas, they represent worthwhile investments in style.