11 Bag Brands That Are the Epitome of French Style

When it comes to handbags, it's no secret that the French brands have long reigned supreme as the creators of the most wanted styles that happen to be equally timeless. From the Hermès Birkin bag that requires you to create relationships with the brand to become a proud owner of it to the Jacquemus bag that has been seen on every It girl, these brands have all had big moments among the fashion crowd, and it's been well-earned.
I've decided that 2024 will be the year that I invest in a new designer handbag, and in my research, I was reminded of the fact that French brands are superior. Below, I've lined up the 11 brands that you should consider for your next purchase, from Chanel to Rabanne.
1. Chanel
When we're talking about French handbags, we have to start the conversation with Chanel. Coming in as one of the most sought-after brands in the fashion world, its handbags are most certainly what it's known for.
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2. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent knows how to make a bag that catches the eye of the fashion crowd instantly. Its latest releases the past few season are the ultimate It bags, so shop these while they're still in stock.
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3. Polène Paris
Polène is a Parisian's best-kept secret. Its bags come in at under $500 and are such a classic piece to finish any outfit with. If you're looking for French style, this is the way to go.
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4. Jacquemus
Jacquemus came onto the bag scene hot and stole the hearts of many fashion insiders at once. Le Chiquito was an It bag that you could find on every corner in New York City. It's expanded its collection to have many more options to choose from.
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5. Celine
Celine just might be the handbag brand that will never go out of style. If you're a fan of minimalism, this brand is for you, as its designs are classic and timeless.
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6. Rouje
If you haven't discovered the brand Rouje yet, you're definitely missing out. Its slouchy animal-print bag has to be my favorite, but it also has pops of red and leather statement pieces that I need.
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7. Chloé
Chloé has never failed to deliver in the handbag category. While I always think fondly on the brand because of its oversize totes, it also has great finds in every category.
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8. Rabanne
If you like to party, you probably already have a Rabanne bag in your collection. Fun, disco-themed handbags that pack very well into a suitcase are what it's known for.
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9. Louis Vuitton
I'll always think about Louis Vuitton with love, as it was one of the first designer bag brands that I fell in love with. Growing up in the 2000s means that its monogram print is forever etched in my brain, and it isn't going anywhere.
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10. Hermès
When you think about designer handbags, your mind is obviously going to head straight toward the Birkin bag. Hermès is known for delivering the classics, and it has many great options to choose from.
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11. Dior
Dior will forever be an iconic wardrobe staple in your collection of designer handbags. While it's known for reviving its throwback pieces, I also am always thinking about its iconic styles that will be big in your wardrobe for a long time.
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Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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