These 2024 Designer Buys Have Officially Reached Cult Status

2024 designer accessories
(Image credit: @threadsstyling)

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.

We called out some the best designer buys last year, and many of them continue to be big sellers, including the Cartier Baignoire watch, The Row's Margaux bag, Alaïa's ballerina flats, and High Sport's kick-flare pants. Since the beginning of the year, we have started to see new pieces dominate luxury fashion from a shopping standpoint. Which designer pieces have risen in status in 2024?

It comes as little surprise that the Mary Jane flats from Chanel's S/S 24 collection are one of the most sought-after pieces this season. They went viral on social media the moment they debuted on the runway and topped the request lists for product sourcers. Alaïa has yet another cult accessory on its hands with the release of the Le Teckel bag, which is sold out at practically every retailer. Though buzz for the Hermès Balusoie is just starting to pick up, the scarf-print bag has the makings of a cult item to own. The piece is primed for vacations, so we're predicting it will be everywhere this summer. The list doesn't stop there. Ahead, take a closer look at the best designer shopping buys to invest in now.

Alaïa Le Teckel Bag

Tina Kunakey wearing an Alaïa Le Teckel bag.

(Image credit: @tinakunakey)

Though Alaïa is historically known for its couture-like craftsmanship when it comes to clothing, the brand has recently gained significant buzz for accessories. Last year, the Mary Jane mesh ballerina flats were so hot they were practically impossible to track down. Now, Alaïa has replicated that success with the Le Teckel bag—arguably the most in-demand bag of 2024 so far.

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Watch

Cartier Panthère watch.

(Image credit: @svedae)

The Panthère de Cartier watch is an iconic design from the '80s that has made a major resurgence recently. The watch has been found on the wrists of celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa as well as Zendaya's character Tashi Duncan in the just-released Challengers film. The Panthère is finished with a delicate bracelet that practically doubles as jewelry and comes at a time when cocktail watches are on the rise.

Dior Bar Jacket

Outfit with Dior Bar jacket.

(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

This year has been marked by a return to sophisticated style that incorporates silhouettes from the past. With this shift toward elegance, we have seen the return of Dior's Bar jacket. The iconic piece was originally designed by Christian Dior in 1947 when he debuted the New Look yet feels as relevant as ever. If you're interested in investing in a piece with staying power, it doesn't get more timeless than this.

Hermès Balusoie Bag

Hermès Balusoie bag sitting on a table.

(Image credit: @threadsstyling)

We already know the hottest bag to own for summer 2024: the Hermès Balusoie. The bag is designed with a leather handle and printed satin that resembles Hermès's iconic scarves. A range of patterns and shades make it the perfect personality piece. While it is still available now, it's only a matter of time before it is impossible to buy.

Chanel Mary Janes

Two pairs of Chanel Mary Janes.

(Image credit: @threadsstyling)

When I spoke with fashion sourcing expert Gab Waller last year for Who What Wear's annual luxury report, she shared that Chanel's Mary Jane ballet flats were the most requested piece from the spring/summer 2024 runways. It comes as no surprise that the shoes are now one of the most in-demand pieces of the season.

Miu Miu Miu Regard Glasses

Miu Miu glasses on a sheet next to marble comb, brush, perfume bottle, and toothpaste.

(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Miu Miu's retail sales are booming, increasing 89% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Prada Group. One piece from the runway that is translating in a big way? The Miu Regard glasses.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.