The Designer Bags That Were Everywhere in 2019

There's very little that unites the vast array of beautiful designer handbags for 2019 apart from the fact they are, indeed, beautiful designer handbags. These days, rather than one overarching silhouette or finish leading the charge for all bags everywhere, you'll find that each high-fashion brand has the style that most suits its unique aesthetic. So forget the notion that only satchels can be stylish when shoulder bags are out, or that bucket drawstring totes are the only thing to be seen carrying. Trust us—there's a deluxe bag out there for everyone.

If you like your investments to be loud, flashy and conspicuous, it's likely you'll be drawn to Fendi's new embellished Baguettes. If you're still adhering to the Phoebe Philo school of hushed luxury, Chloé's simple shoulder bag may become your new go-to thanks to its minimal detailing and chic "C" logo. It looks like the interest in backpacks has waned slightly, and clutches continue have grown in popularity thanks to Bottega Veneta, but the runways of A/W 19 played host to a wide array of new ideas if you're looking for something subtle but unusual.

Keep reading to discover the chief designer bags that ruled 2019 and then shop a few.

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Bottega Veneta this year thanks to the new creative director Daniel Lee, who debuted two new bags for the house, the Maxi and the Pouch. This oversized slouchy clutch bag was a real hit at fashion month—especially the stone colour Pernille Teisbaek is carrying above. Since then celebs have taken to it (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in particular), and it's been nearly impossible to find them in stock. 

Barely a bag, struggling to even be a purse, somehow the world's teeniest, tiniest mini tote from Jacquemus proved to be a big smash. Le Chiquitos sell out as soon as they drop online and have a following that expands way beyond the UK and Europe—this is Instagram and collectable fashion fodder as it's most ironic, and that's before we get to the necklace version. They're near impossible to find now, but you can shop other Jacquemus bags here.

Chloé's new bag, the C, might be our favourite of the Parisian's brands many It bags to date. Featuring a jumbo "C" on the front (how'd you guess?), this elegant new range includes flap-fronted messengers, shoulder bags and clutches in all of those sumptuous, earthy colours you'd associate with a catwalk full of #ChloéGirls.

Finally, our prayers have been answered. The Baguette is back with a big, loud bang. Whether rendered in denim with fluoro stitching or embellished up to its eyeballs in beading or gold velvet, these new Baguettes are not for the shy and retiring. Fashion girls everywhere have been snapping up secondhand versions, but now that the brand is re-releasing them, there's a chance to grab a box-fresh version all over again.

Tapping into that '90s nostalgia for teeny-tiny shoulder bags, Prada has created the ultimate option for a girl in 2019: the Sidonie. It comes in a vast range of colours and colour-blocked options, with the primary brights looking particularly spectacular both on and off the runway. This style has started for cruise 2019 but continues on into the spring/summer collections, and I have a feeling it will become a collector's item of the future.

Mulberry's chain-fastened Keeley bag has proven to be a hit inside the Who What Wear office, particularly in the more adventurous colours and finishes, like this dreamy blue. You can get it in multiple sizes (but even the small one can carry a lot), and we're also keen on the lizard print as well as the more crafty woven styles.

Following a huge comeback in 2018, it's no wonder that Dior's Saddle bag came out in many new versions this year as well as more of the classic styles you'll know and love. From the instantly recognisable Oblique monogrammed shoulder bag to fresher styles in mini and midi sizes with jazzed-up, embellished straps, there's a Saddle for all—if you've got the money to burn. J'adior, indeed.

There's no end to the '90s revivals on planet fashion, but this little bag has to be the chicest part of the comeback overall. The Rachel bag from accessories label By Far has been picked up by literally every influencer going and spawned many a copycat on the high street. It's been hard work tracking down both the plain tan version and its mock-croc iteration, as those two finishes have been the most popular of all, but there are more coming to By Far's website soon.

As seen on the runways and an elite selection of celebrities (such as Chloë Grace Moretz and Elle Fanning), Louis Vuitton's curvy New Wave bag is now being constantly redesigned as part of the heritage brand's The Icons collection. There are many colourways from the latest drop, but I have to admit I'm a sucker for the really OTT printed and monogrammed versions, like the option below.

Last summer, Loewe saw a great deal of success with its jumbo, super-luxe leather logo basket bags—no influencer holiday was complete without one. Creative director Jonathan Anderson has wisely taken this popular style and developed on it even further for S/S 19. You'll find new versions with cool handle detailing (like the chain option above), alternative straw weaves and even raffia take on the brand's street style–adored Gate bag.

Related: 6 Ankle-Boot Trends My Stylish Friends Will Wear in 2019

There are so many coveted styled in Gucci's handbag famiglia that it can be hard to keep up. All the pieces that have been created under Alessandro Michele still stand up as worthwhile investment pieces, but if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you need to know about the horse-bit adorned collection of Zumi handbags. They're inspired by a Gucci bag from the 1960s, and you'll find it in different styles, from this neat crossbody to more elaborate totes.

From the first Celine collection of new creative director Hedi Slimane comes a different era for the French brand's accessories department. His designs are sturdier and fiercer. Take this already celebrity-endorsed Triomphe bag as a prime example of what we're talking about.

As the brand buyers have been raving about (they all fell head over heels for the spring 2019 show), you'll start to see the Paco Rabanne more from here on out. Signature chainmail from the '60s is being reworked for the modern age, and every cool girl is trying to get her hands on the silver or gold Iconic bags. 

I was pleased as punch when I managed to get hold of a Baozi bag from new French handbag brand Elleme before they were available in the UK. It was still relatively unknown at the beginning of the year, but thanks to Instagram, these little beauties have become a cult hit among the style set. The circular handle and raffia finish make both trending pieces instantly recognisable, but there are many different iterations to discover in their full collection. FYI, the Baozi is a slightly smaller version of the Raisin.

JW Anderson's key bag for S/S 19 was the Keyts, a classic leather shoulder bag with an interesting gold lock and key fastening on the flap.

Burberry's leather TB crossbody bag is bound to become a new classic. It's an elegant and timeless shape, and the TB monogram is a nod to the founder Thomas Burberry. It was designed by the English graphic designer Peter Saville.

Boyy's cute oversized-buckle design isn't necessarily anything new for 2019, but ever since Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, we've seen them everywhere. The most recent spot was at London Fashion on Jessie Bush of We the People Style. 

This bag has spawned, what feels like, a million replicas. From the high street to other luxury brands, it seems like Shrimps' bag has influenced so many. But the original will always be the best. Snap up one of the coloured versions for a fresher take on this pretty It bag. 

It's not just the clutch bag and the shoes that everyone in fashion is desperate to get their hands on. There's also the Arco bag. A more practical bag, but still very chic, it will make every outfit you wear it with look riche. 

Cute but with Loewe's trademark craftsmanship merging art with fashion, this is one for the cool street style set. 

Next up, your guide to all the 2019 shoe trends.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.