Designer handbags: My top 10 it bags and classics

Designer handbags: I recommend investing in these 10 luxury models in 2025

belong to thethat are really worth investing in. No matter which designer brand is your personal favorite - Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Versace or Marc Jacobs - one thing is certain: the bags are well made and made ofmanufactured, and in most cases their value increases annually. By the way, this no longer only applies to iconic models such as the “Birkin Bag”, “Hermès Kelly Bag”, “Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag” or the “Speedy” from Louis Vuitton. In addition to evening bags, one or two tote bags or bucket bags now make it into the bagHall of Fameof designer handbags.

Bag trends arise, on the one hand, from the fascination and prestige of the craftsmanship of fashion houses and luxury brands in Paris, Milan & Co. and, on the other hand, from the style icons that make a certain handbag a coveted must-have. Keyword: Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin in the case of Hermès.

Of course, I understand that all of my picks are bag models, all of which are expensive and can't just be spontaneously picked up from the boutique in an afternoon or added to your shopping cart. However, there are reasons to buy one of the luxury bags.

Quick Shop: My top 10 designer handbags for 2025

Good reasons to invest in a designer handbag

• One thing is certain: if you own onethen you will always choose this model. They instantly elevate the simplest outfit, making them a safe choiceIt's super practical to have.
• Designer handbags, whether timeless classics or models from current collections, increase in value and are therefore true investments. If you really don't want them anymore, you can almost certainly get them on one for a profitsell via third party providers. Plus: Resale is also a good option the other way around. A large selection of vintage bags in good condition can be shopped online. Just be careful about shipping costs and returns.
• Of course there is a new It bag every season, that's unavoidable. However, that doesn't mean you can't continue to carry the bag you chose. No matter whether your personal favorite is a classic shoulder bag from Jil Sander or a monogram belt bag from Ralph Lauren - you have to like the bag and fit your personal style. Trends or the like don’t play a role.
• If you take particularly good care of the bag, you can pass it on to the next generation or give your friends a very special treat. This is not just, but also has an emotional value.
• Trends come and go. That’s why it’s important not to “give up” on designer handbags too quickly. Do you have a Valentino shopper in the “Rockstud” design with studs? A crossbody bag from Off-White, a bucket bag from Tod's or a Vivienne Westwood wallet with the iconic Orbit? It may not sound current at the moment, but every brand or maison brings back certain styles, details or colors.

5 It bags that are on my wishlist for 2025

Trend bags seem to come out of nowhere. Some stay for a season, others for years, and very few make the leap from it bag to classic. In my opinion, these 5 designer handbags are particularly popular right now and will continue to be so in the coming year.

1. Balenciaga's “Le City” small bag in black

Small Balenciaga “Le City” in black

2. Coach “Brooklyn” shoulder bag

3. “The 99 Cape” by Chloé

4. Leather “Buckle” shoulder bag from Prada

Leather buckle shoulder bag from Prada

5. Small nappa lambskin “squeeze” bag from Loewe

Small “squeeze” bag made of nappa lambskin

5 timeless designer handbags that I would recommend to everyone

Achieving cult status as a handbag is not easy. The name and prestige of a luxury brand may pave the way for a model, but a designer handbag is only considered a timeless classic if it stands the test of time regardless of the season, trends and celebrities. These 5 bags did that.

1. Medium “Gucci B” shoulder bag in brown suede

Medium “Gucci B” shoulder bag in brown suede

2. Shopper “Park Tote Three” von The Row

Shopper “XL Park Tote” von The Row

3. “Voltaire Top Handle” von Saint Laurent

4. Large “Hop” leather shoulder bag from Bottega Veneta

Large “Hop” leather shoulder bag from Bottega Veneta

5. “Frayme”-Tote-Bag von Stella McCartney

“Frayme”-Tote-Bag von Stella McCartney

An expert in an interview: Saclàb co-founder Alexandra Stück shares insights, tips & tricks about designer handbags

In order to gain even deeper insights into the world of luxury handbags, I turned to an absolute expert. Alexandra Stück founded Saclàb together with her brother Jan-Oliver Stück in 2018. They offer a simple 360-degree service to sell designer brand handbags secondhand. The company takes over the assessment as well as photography and shipping of the product to buyers. Their range includes models from Chanel, Hermès and Co., which are given another life in a new wardrobe on a professional and fair level.

Who better than the co-founder to talk about designer handbags, their value and development on the market.

Designer handbags have long been considered good investments. Aside from the financial aspect, why is it worth investing in a luxury handbag?

Alexandra Piece:Quality and longevity. In keeping with their high prices, designer handbags are usually made from premium materials and can not only be worn for a lifetime but also be passed down to the next generation one day. This idea has a special beauty for me as it reflects the emotional value that handmade creations can have. For unique quality, it is often worthwhile to specifically search for vintage models. At Saclàb, for example, we regularly see “Classic Flap Bags” from Chanel from the 90s. Despite their age, these bags are often in excellent condition and can be loved and worn for decades to come.

Luxury handbags also have cultural significance. The “Hermès Birkin Bag” was designed in the mid-80s in collaboration with style icon Jane Birkin. Another example is the “Lady Dior” that was given to Princess Diana during a state visit to France. To this day it is one of the Maison's bestsellers. In a sense, with such a luxury handbag you are not only investing in an accessory, but also in a piece of fashion history.

Consumers of luxury goods are getting younger and younger. What could be the reason for this development?

Alexandra Piece:At Saclàb we also notice that the interest of younger generations is constantly growing. Gen Z no longer necessarily sees luxury as a status symbol, but rather deals with the value and history of the products. The mix of sustainability, trend awareness and social media certainly plays a central role. According to Bain & Company, the purchasing power of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in the luxury market is growing up to three times faster than that of previous generations: by 2030, they could already make up a third of global luxury customers.

I think social media, especially platforms like TikTok, are a key driver of this development. These channels have not only changed how younger generations discover luxury brands, but are also influencing their purchasing behavior. Vintage models, for example, are experiencing a real renaissance – Balenciaga’s “City Bag” or Dior’s “Columbus Bag”.

There is also a growing awareness of sustainability. Younger customers are specifically looking for long-lasting products andpre-lovedArticles, perhaps as a counter to the flood of fast fashion. At Saclàb, younger customers are particularly interested in vintage models from Dior and Chanel, which are often more affordable than new ones from the boutique. At the same time, we are also seeing increasing interest in the very exclusive Hermès models.

Some “scare away” from buying used goods. What details and features should you pay attention to when buying a bag secondhand?

Alexandra Piece:The most important thing is to only buy from reputable suppliers who professionally check the authenticity and condition of the bags. At Saclàb, we carefully authenticate each handbag before listing it on the website and have developed a transparent grading system for condition and wear.

High-quality and durable materials such as leather, tweed or suede are an excellent choice. However, I recommend considering the characteristics of the material in question: lambskin, for example, is buttery soft and luxurious, but shows scratches and signs of wear more quickly than grained or textured leather, which is more robust and requires less care.

Processing is another important point. The seams should be neat and tight, as loose seams or frayed edges can be a sign of wear. On handbags, signs of wear usually first appear on the corners or on the hardware. This is normal, but should be reflected in the price. If in doubt, I recommend asking the provider for further detailed photos in order to get an accurate picture of the condition of a product.

By the way, I think that signs of wear are not necessarily a negative thing. A bag that has already “lived” and been loved has character and tells its own story. Minor flaws can even give the bag a unique touch. And if necessary, it's worth investing in a professional restoration - be it refreshing the leather, polishing the hardware or repairing seams.

No matter whether it's popular designer bags, trends or must-haves of the season - are you fans of designer fashion from Dolce & Gabbana, Chloé, Givenchy, Jacquemus, Stella McCartney & Co.? Then you can find more content here: