These Were the Best Designer Bags of 2018

We're going to kick things off with a bold statement: What defines a designer handbag has changed. Yes, Chanel, Gucci, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, etc. come to mind first, but there are so many incredible midpriced, more under-the-radar labels designing It bags these days that there are a lot more designer bags to chose from than there were, say, a decade ago. And not one of those goes unnoticed by us, so we took it upon ourselves to compile a list of the best designer bags of 2018, just in case you're in the market for one more bag purchase this year (or are just curious).
Among the best of the best are picks from the big guns like The Row and Balenciaga, but also cult-favorite designers like Staud and Shrimps and brand-new brands like By Far, which quickly rose to cult status in 2018. There were a lot of changes in the fashion industry over the last 12 months, but one fact remains: Designers made some incredible bags this year. Keep scrolling to shop the cream of the crop.
Next up: the surprising brands with the best basics.

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer Wardrobe
Imagine the chic outfits.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Forget the Margaux—*This* The Row Bag Will Be Carried by Fashion People With Cool Taste in 2025
And it won't cost you $5000.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
The 5 Brands to Shop for Beach Bags That You'll Love and Keep Forever
Trust me on this one.
-
The "Dated" Bag Trend We Left in the '90s Just Showed Up at Miu Miu and on Jennifer Lawrence
A comeback is imminent.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough Of
The tinned-fish trend is in full effect.