Nov 12, 2018

These Were the Best Designer Bags of 2018

by Allyson Payer

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.

Rejina Pyo Neutral Olivia Snakeskin Embossed Leather Box Bag ($715)

This unique bag has been a street style favorite since its release this year.

The Row Double Circle Small Leather Tote ($1850)

We don't think this The Row bag will ever go out of style.

Wandler Luna Color-Block Leather Shoulder Bag ($935)

Everything Wandler makes is gold, but this one might be our favorite yet.

Staud Shirley Bag ($210)

Staud has the affordable-It-bag market on lock, and this is the style that was everywhere this year.

Gucci Laminated Leather Mini Bag ($1200)

This candy-colored confection of a bag is the fashion version of love at first sight.

Paco Rabanne Iconic Chain-Mail Shoulder Bag - Silver

Paco Rabanne Iconic Chain-Mail Shoulder Bag ($1550)

Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Moss carried this bag on repeat this year.

Chloe Tess Small Leather Cross Body Bag - Womens - Burgundy

Chloé Tess Small Leather Cross Body Bag ($1850)

This new Chloé bag was carried by so many influencers throughout the most recent fashion month.

Fendi Kan I Small FF-Embossed Crossbody Bag ($2290)

As you know, the Fendi logo saw a major resurgence this year.

Shrimps Antonia Faux Pearl Embellished Bag - Womens - Pink

Shrimps Antonia Faux Pearl Embellished Bag ($520)

As long as they keep making this Sprimps bag in different colors (the first iterations came out in 2017), fashion girls will keep buying them.

Versace Icon Medium Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag ($2295)

With the domination of the '80s look in fashion this year, Versace had a timely comeback. This bag offers a modern take on the brand's signature aesthetic.