Even if you never say it in front of your other bags so you do not hurt their feelings, you probably have a few favourites in your handbag collection! The same goes for the fashion world, which has turned certain models into true stars. Icons among icons, these iconic bags have earned an unrivalled place in the hearts of luxury leather goods enthusiasts. Discover the 10 most legendary designer bags and the stories that helped make them so popular.
The Chanel Timeless
The Chanel Timeless certainly lives up to its name, as if the Maison had decided the future of this great classic as soon as it was released: it would be a timeless success or nothing! Now available in different sizes and colours, this chain bag with a leather strap is actually Karl Lagerfeld's reinterpretation of the 2.55, designed 30 years earlier by Coco Chanel herself.
And if knowing that the Timeless bears the creative touch of these two fashion icons is not enough to convince you, you soon will be after discovering the short film recently directed by Sofia Coppola around this handbag.
The Hermès Birkin
Ah, the Hermès Birkin! The most sought-after bag in the world, and one of the most expensive too, is on the lips of every luxury bag fan. Named after Jane Birkin, it was designed in the early 1980s following a chance encounter between the singer and the president of the Hermès Maison on a Paris-London flight. Its understated curves reflected the wishes of the very British singer, who wanted a fashion accessory that was both elegant and functional. If you are hoping to get your hands on one like Samantha Jones in an episode of Sex & the City, be aware that it can take years before you manage to obtain one, even if you resort to clever schemes like Carrie Bradshaw's friend! Those in more of a hurry will be delighted to find what they are looking for on Secondement, which offers a wide selection of pre-owned bags that are difficult to find elsewhere.
The Gucci Marmont
Recognisable by its quilted finish and retro-style GG buckle, the handbag Marmont perfectly captures the provocative spirit of the Italian Maison. The name of this collection was certainly not chosen by chance: Château Marmont, a Californian hotel beloved by celebrities, is THE place for every kind of excess. The scandals and secrets surrounding this place and its very famous guests are too numerous to count.
As a little anecdote, this collaboration was unveiled during Gucci's 2019 Cruise show in another iconic location, this time a little closer to home: the Alyscamps necropolis in Arles.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy
With its elegant travel bag feel, the Louis Vuitton Speedy has often been spotted accompanying stars at the airport. The Maison's signature Damier or Monogram patterns, its instantly recognisable chic look and its enduring success since its creation in the 1930s mean the Speedy fully deserves its place in this selection of legendary bags! It truly earned its iconic status in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn asked the luxury leather goods Maison to adapt its size to create a smaller bag. Over the years, updated colours and the introduction of a shoulder strap version have only confirmed its status as one of the signature pieces of the Louis Vuitton Maison.
The Hermès Kelly
Another iconic model from Hermès, another fashion legend. Unlike the Birkin, however, the Hermès Kelly, named after Grace Kelly, does not reflect the Princess of Monaco's involvement in the creative process. With its instantly recognisable trapeze shape, this accessory, launched in the 1930s, was the first women's shoulder bag, marking the beginning of a great love story! It was only 20 years later that it took on its current name: in photographs that became famous, the handbag shares the spotlight with Grace Kelly, who used it to conceal the signs of her pregnancy. The years have passed, the success has remained, and celebrities no longer need a valid excuse to carry it!
The Lady Dior
We love the Lady Dior for its chic style, with its generous rounded handles giving it such a distinctive look. This Dior bag is said to have been commissioned by Bernadette Chirac as a gift for Princess Diana during her visit to Paris in 1995. Diana made it one of her favourite bags and helped give it its status as an iconic fashion accessory. Like everything inspired by the nineties, and by the very stylish Lady Diana, it remains highly sought-after today. Its versatile design means it can be carried by hand with an androgynous-style suit or worn crossbody with a bomber jacket for a contemporary look.
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Probably one of the roomiest models in this selection, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is very practical for those of us who are not the most organised... With its tote-bag spirit and minimalist look, it is a firm favourite in the fashion world: it is particularly well suited to everyday use while still retaining the luxurious touch that is so characteristic of Louis Vuitton. Its relatively recent launch compared with some of the other pieces in this top 10 probably explains its universal and versatile style. The Neverfull was originally intended simply as a bag for the summer season.
The Saint Laurent Monogram
The Monogram is THE clutch to have by your side. Featuring the initials of the Saint Laurent Maison and a fine chain strap, it effortlessly complements every piece in your wardrobe, from the little black dress to a pair of jeans. This on-trend handbag adds that little something extra that makes all the difference, which is precisely why it has earned its status as an iconic fashion piece around the world! Reinterpreted since its creation in a wide range of sizes, colours and materials, it still proudly displays the famous YSL monogram.
The Gucci Jackie
Probably the boldest bag on this list in terms of style, the bucket bag Gucci Jackie combines, at least in its original version, Diamante canvas with the green and red Gucci stripes. First Lady Jackie Kennedy turned it into an it-bag by ordering no fewer than 6 during a single shopping trip! It was then renamed in her honour. Over the decades, it has been reinterpreted by the designers of the Gucci Maison, each pushing the boundaries of eccentricity: candy-pink leather, beige suede and, more recently, floral or python patterns. The Gucci bag has accompanied some of the world's most stylish stars, from Barbra Streisand and Elle Fanning to Emma Stone. A symbol of its subversive character, it has also been embraced by men such as Samuel Beckett and, more recently, Harry Styles.
The Céline Luggage
The Luggage had to be included in this selection, as it represents the revival of luxury leather goods, combining confident modernity with traditional design codes. Inspired by a sketch found in the archives of the Céline Maison, it features foldable winged sides that give it its highly distinctive shape.
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