The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investment pieces that are worth it.
Conversations about designer handbags typically revolve around one specific phrase: "It bags." That saying has been less prominent recently, though, replaced by "quiet-luxury bags" that combine ease, subtlety, and quality craftsmanship without prominent logos. Such discussions are unfolding everywhere from our editor Slack channels to TikTok to The Wall Street Journal. But this isn't to say that these bags are completely unidentifiable despite a lack of branding. Rather, they have details such as signature clasps and unique silhouettes that only astute fashion observers would recognise.
Though there are a number of cult bags that fall into the camp of quiet luxury, Savette is a noteworthy newcomer. According to Net-a-Porter Market Director Libby Page, sleek silhouettes from Savette are resonating with shoppers, making it one of the only brands to successfully break into the luxury-bag market across the retailer in a long time. This signals a rise in the quiet-luxury category overall, as the label joins the leagues of investment brands such as Hermès, Khaite, Celine, and Prada that are as quiet as they are cool. Here, see the best low-key quiet-luxury bags that are primed to be in your wardrobe for many years ahead.
1. Savette Symmetry Bag
Style Notes: One of the breakout brands from the last several years, Savette—the brainchild of founder and designer Amy Zurek—is known for its logoless bags that are finished with its signature metal hardware.
Shop Savette:
Crafted to fit all the essentials.
The boxy style in the white looks incredibly sleek.
This top handle pochette version will work hard in any classic wardrobe.
2. Hermès Kelly Bag
Style Notes: Hermès bags are famous for their long waiting lists and mysterious buying practices as much as they're known for their cult status among fashion's most in-the-know insiders. Kelly bags, in particular, are a style that is practically free of branding and known for their expert craftsmanship.
Shop Hermès:
This Herbag is a real gem.
The croc leather is ultimate luxury.
Truly beautiful.
3: The Row Margaux Bag
Style Notes: If you've been around the past few seasons then there is one bag that has undoubtedly been on everyones's lips: The Row's Margaux bag. The Margaux bag is the epitome of quiet luxury, beloved for its minimalist design and top-notch craftsmanship. It's crafted from smooth, supple leather and features a sleek, structured silhouette—a go-to for any fashion-forward wardrobe. Seen on style icons like Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner, this bag nails the understated elegance vibe.
Shop The Row:
I can't get over the shade of red of this bag.
I have always loved a suede moment, but this just takes the cake.
A slightly structured take on the bag but still very much loved.
4. Celine Triomphe Bag
Style Notes: The metal clasp on Celine's Triomphe bags takes inspiration from the metal chain surrounding the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Otherwise, the bags retain clean and sleek lines, making them seasonless, functional, and beautiful pieces.
Shop Celine:
An elegant and sleek addition to any handbag collection.
Only in-the-know fashionista's will know this motif.
A truly timeless investment piece.
5. The Row Sofia Bag
Style Notes: The Row's signature understated minimalism has been distilled into the brand's latest Sofia bag—an unfussy, simple leather crossbody bag that is already cropping up in the most luxurious (and stylish) closets.
Shop The Row:
The perfect elevated everyday bag.
The chocolate colourway is so elegant.
6. Toteme T-Lock Bag
Style Notes: Inconspicuous, elegant, and unrecognizable except for the subtle "T" clasp, Toteme's T-Lock bag is one of the most notable bag launches in recent memory.
Shop Totême:
On first seeing this, we knew it would be a classic.
The curved shape is perfectly formed for ease of wear.
This clutch version is ideal for an evening out.
7. Prada Re-Edition 1995 Bag
Style Notes: The Prada Re-Edition 1995 bag was famously carried by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—a fashion icon known for her quiet-luxury style. It was brought back by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, and the co-designers ushered the timeless bag back into the fashion space, making it one of the key investment buys to own.
Shop Prada:
So sophisticated.
Baby pink is a fun addition to any outfit.
The sharp structure adds to the elevated feel of this bag.
8. Khaite Olivia Bag
Style Notes: At Khaite, Cate Holstein designs pieces for New York women. Among them is the Olivia bag, a style that masters the balance of simplicity and modern cool.
Shop Khaite:
The definition of quiet luxury.
This is what dreams are made of.
This relaxed bag has forever appeal.
9. Bottega Veneta Arco Bag
Style Notes: With Matthieu Blazy at the helm of Bottega Veneta, the brand has reached a new level of buzz and has distilled some of its archival design elements (including woven leather) into some truly seasonless bags, including the Arco Tote.
Shop Bottega Veneta:
A spacious interior to carry all your essentials and more.
This is sure to sell out.
This colour is just as versatile as black, white or brown.
10. Métier Perriand Bag
Style Notes: With a line of expertly crafted travel-inspired luxury leather goods, London-based brand Métier should be on the top of your radar for timeless pieces to bring on a flight or road trip.
Shop Métier:
Note the braided handle.
Each bag is skilfully handcrafted.
The suede version is seriously elevated.
11: DeMellier New York Tote
Style Notes: Spotted on influencers and royals alike, DeMellier’s New York tote, is celebrated for its versatility and chic appeal. It's both practical and polished, making it a must-have for the modern professional. Made from premium leather and designed with ample space, it’s the ideal mix of form and function.
Shop DeMellier:
Its really is a Mary Poppins-esq bag.
The midi size has also won over so many of team Who What Wear UK.
And it comes in so many great colour ways—this olive is my favourite for this season.
12. Saint Laurent Manhattan Bag
Style Notes: Like the city it's named for, Saint Laurent's Manhattan bag is sophisticated, elegant, and timeless.
Shop Saint Laurent:
An elegant shoulder bag for all occasions.
The cotton and leather combo will always scream summer for me.
This one will endure trends and seasons.
13. Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Bag
Style Notes: Named after Lee Radziwill, the eponymous Tory Burch bag mirrors the late fashion icon's style with its structured silhouette, top handle, and timeless design.
Shop Tory Burch:
The colour is so luxe-looking.
This mini iteration really caught our eye.
The design lends itself to be worn open, semi-buttoned or closed.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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