10 Iconic Handbags Celebrities and Fashion People Still Love Years Later
As evidenced by price alone, designer handbags are for life. Like a classic black blazer or a tried-and-true camel trench, a designer bag is a wardrobe stalwart that's immune to industry trends. Of course, this reality should be taken into account when selecting your new prized possession. First and foremost, it's important to consider the intended use. For example, are you looking for a smaller weekend bag or a larger everyday bag that can house all of your essentials? Intention aside, you should see yourself using this bag for the next decade (and beyond). Think about which print, style, and colors will age well, both from a trend perspective and a personal-style perspective.
Of course, a classic Louis Vuitton bag is a foolproof option. The iconic French fashion house has been designing time-honoured trunks and handbags since the late 19th century. Owning a classic Louis Vuitton bag is like owning a piece of fashion history. If you're set on the timeless French brand, we support your decision. Below, continue your research and read up on the most popular Louis Vuitton bags of all time.
1. Louis Vuitton Speedy
The Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is one of the house's most iconic styles. Designed in 1930 in response to the decade's rapid transportation advances, the compact Speedy is lightweight, easy to travel with, and big enough to hold your essentials. A designated "house icon," the Speedy is an unquestionable asset to any wardrobe.
2. Louis Vuitton Alma
Designed by Louis Vuitton's grandson Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1934, the Alma bag was named after the Alma Bridge, which connects two renowned Paris neighborhoods over the Seine. This is the most structured of the iconic LV bags, featuring a sturdy leather bottom, protective studs, and rolled leather handles.
3. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Introduced in 2007, the Neverfull bag is a fan favorite. It quickly became one of the most popular Louis Vuitton bags and joined the brand's exclusive list of house icons. It's incredibly spacious, making it a great everyday bag and an essential travel companion.
4. Louis Vuitton Twist
The latest addition to the brand's house icons section, the Twist is a modern day-to-evening bag emblazoned with bold LV hardware. Outfitted with a short chain hand strap and a leather crossbody strap, the Twist is just as versatile as stylish. This minimalist handbag is made with signature Epi leather and comes in dozens of colors and sizes.
5. Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau
While a brand-new Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau bag will set you back up to £4000, it was inspired by the brand's iconic hatbox. A small and compact bag, this one-of-a-kind LV purse made quite a splash in the street style scene when it was released in late 2018.
6. Louis Vuitton Looping Bag
The discontinued Looping bag is now a sought-after Louis Vuitton vintage piece. Released in 2002 for a comparatively affordable price, the Looping bag now goes for roughly £500 to £2000 on resale sites such as Farfetch, Rebag, and eBay. With an arched Vachetta leather handle and the house's classic monogram coated canvas, the Looping bag will never go out of style.
7. Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires Bag
The Pochette Accessoires bag is a slightly larger interpretation of a toiletry bag. Outfitted with a leather or chain strap, the Pochette Accessoires is large enough to fit a Zippy Wallet and other small essentials. While you can still shop this bag on the Louis Vuitton website, this style is a highly sought-after vintage piece. You can find one online for as low as £400.
8. Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag
Another house icon is the Capucines, which was named after Rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first shop in 1854. Crafted from full-grain Taurillon leather, crocodilian leather, or soft lambskin, this bag is luxury at its finest. The BB, PM, and mini Capucines are popular among the fashion set.
9. Louis Vuitton Noé Bag
When asked by a champagne producer to design a sturdy bag large enough to transport five bottles of champagne, Gaston-Louis Vuitton created the Noé bag. Released in 1932, this bucket bag is a true Louis Vuitton classic. It now comes in six sizes and styles: the NéoNoé, the Nano Noé, the Petit Noé, the Noé BB, the Noé Backpack, and the Noé Pouch.
10. Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Bag
Similar to the Petite Boite Chapeau, the Petite Malle bag was inspired by classic Louis Vuitton trunks—down to the monogram canvas and gold-toned lock and fittings. This versatile bag can be carried as a clutch or crossbody using the detachable strap.
This story was originally published on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.
Kelsey Clark is a freelance writer and content strategist based in Detroit. She got her start in editorial in New York City as MyDomaine's lifestyle editor and has since gone full-time freelance. She now contributes to Who What Wear, THE/THIRTY, Domino, Glamour, The Zoe Report, Apartment Therapy, and more, in addition to working with brands such as Bloomscape and EyeSwoon on content strategy and copywriting. She's written about fashion, interior design, health and wellness, pop culture, food, travel, politics, and professional development, but she'd consider the first three verticals her main "beats." She's also incredibly passionate about mental health awareness and hopes to help eradicate the social stigma through storytelling and education. When she's not writing, you can find her scouring thrift stores for Levi's 501s, picking up a new vintage piece for her apartment, or exploring new restaurants and bars across Detroit.
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