Even if you would never say it in front of your other bags for fear of hurting their feelings, you probably have a few favorites in your handbag collection! The fashion world is no different: certain designs have become true stars. Icons among icons, these iconic bags have earned an unshakable place in the hearts of luxury leather-goods lovers. Discover 10 of the most legendary designer bags and the stories that helped make them so famous.
The Chanel Timeless
The Chanel Timeless lives up to its name, as though the House had decided the fate of this classic from the moment it was launched: timeless success or nothing. Now available in a range of sizes and colors, this chain-and-leather-strap bag was originally Karl Lagerfeld’s reinterpretation of the 2.55, created some 30 years earlier by Coco Chanel herself.
If knowing that the Timeless carries the creative imprint of these two fashion icons is not enough to convince you, a recent short film by Sofia Coppola dedicated to the handbag might do the trick.
The Hermès Birkin
Ah, the Hermès Birkin! One of the world’s most coveted - and most expensive - bags, it is on the lips of luxury-bag lovers everywhere. Named after Jane Birkin, it was designed in the early 1980s following the singer’s chance encounter with the president of Hermès on a Paris-to-London flight. Its understated lines answered the very British star’s desire for a fashion accessory that was both elegant and practical. If you hope to get your hands on one like Samantha Jones in an episode of Sex & the City, be warned that it can take years - even with the kind of schemes Carrie Bradshaw’s friend might attempt. Those in more of a hurry will be delighted to discover Secondement’s wide selection of hard-to-find pre-owned bags.
The Gucci Marmont
Recognizable by its quilted finish and retro-looking GG buckle, the Marmont perfectly captures the provocative spirit of the Italian house. The collection’s name was not chosen by chance: Chateau Marmont, the California hotel beloved by celebrities, is legendary for excess. Countless scandals and secrets surround the hotel and its famous guests.
For the record, the collection was unveiled during Gucci’s Cruise 2019 show at another iconic location much closer to home: the Alyscamps necropolis in Arles.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy
With the feel of an elegant travel bag, the Louis Vuitton Speedy has often been spotted accompanying stars through airports. The house’s signature Damier or Monogram patterns, its instantly recognizable chic silhouette and decades of uninterrupted success since its creation in the 1930s fully earn the Speedy a place among these legendary bags. Its status was cemented in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn asked the luxury leather-goods house to adapt the design into a smaller bag. Over the years, refreshed colorways and the introduction of shoulder-strap versions have only reinforced its status as a Louis Vuitton icon.
The Hermès Kelly
Another flagship model from Hermès, another fashion legend. Unlike the Birkin, however, the Hermès Kelly, named after Grace Kelly, was not created with the Princess of Monaco herself. With its unmistakable trapezoidal silhouette, this accessory first appeared in the 1930s and became an early icon of women’s shoulder-carried bags. It would not take its current name until around 20 years later, after famous photographs showed Grace Kelly using the handbag to conceal the early signs of pregnancy. The years have passed, the bag’s success has remained, and today stars need no excuse to adopt it.
The Lady Dior
We love the Lady Dior for its chic appearance and generously rounded handles, which give it such a distinctive look. The 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 favorite bags and helped turn it into an iconic fashion accessory. Like everything inspired by the 1990s - and the exceptionally stylish Lady Diana - it remains highly sought after today. Its versatility means it can be carried by hand with an androgynous tailored suit or worn crossbody with a bomber jacket for a more contemporary look.
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Probably one of the roomiest bags in this list, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is ideal for those of us who are not always perfectly organized. With its tote shape and minimalist look, it is a firm favorite in the fashion world: especially well suited to everyday use, yet still unmistakably luxurious in the Louis Vuitton way. Its relatively recent launch compared with some of the other bags in this top 10 may help explain its universal, easy-to-wear style. The Neverfull was originally intended as a summer bag.
The Saint Laurent Monogram
The Monogram is the clutch to have by your side. Finished with the initials of Saint Laurent and a delicate chain strap, it works brilliantly with everything in a wardrobe, from a little black dress to denim. This fashionable handbag adds that elusive something that makes all the difference - which is precisely why it has achieved iconic status around the world. Reimagined since its creation in multiple shapes, colors and materials, it always proudly displays the famous YSL monogram.
The Gucci Jackie
Perhaps the boldest bag in this list from a styling perspective, the bucket-style Gucci Jackie originally combined Diamante canvas with Gucci’s green-and-red Web stripe. First Lady Jackie Kennedy helped make it an it-bag after reportedly ordering no fewer than six in a single shopping session, and the bag was later renamed in her honor. Over the decades, Gucci’s designers have reinvented it with increasing creativity: candy-pink leather, beige suede, floral prints and python have all appeared, and the Gucci bag has accompanied stylish stars from Barbra Streisand to Emma Stone and Elle Fanning. A sign of its subversive appeal, it has also been adopted by men, including Samuel Beckett and, more recently, Harry Styles.
The Celine Luggage
The Luggage simply had to be included because it represents a new chapter in luxury leather goods, combining confident modernity with traditional codes. Inspired by a drawing rediscovered in the Celine archives, it features foldable winged sides that give it its instantly recognizable shape. Its firmly established success is reflected in the women who have adopted it, from Alexa Chung to Mary-Kate Olsen. And unless you are among those who cannot unsee the robot face staring back at you - look closely! - you will love carrying this Celine bag every day.
And you - which bag is at the top of your wish list? Psst… at Secondement, our luxury bags are pre-owned, so we will even let you make it a top three.
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