When it comes to fashion, knowing what items to ‘invest’ in can be something of a minefield. A well-chosen handbag is one of the best investments you can buy. When purchasing a handbag, you can keep your bag forever if you know what to look for and choose the right designer. While many of us have a wide variety of purses for all occasions, a luxury handbag can make all the difference and be worth the investment!

So which bag is worth the investment? You have to consider things such as quality, resale value, longevity, design, and of course, the way it looks. It is critical you find a bag that you love, but keep in mind the items mentioned above. Also, when thinking of a long-term bag, you want to be mindful of the silhouette. What look will not go out of style next season? Which silhouette is a core look for your wardrobe? Small details like this can make all the difference in loving or regretting your purchase. 

If you’re considering purchasing a luxury handbag, we’ve picked out our top 11 designers and our favorite choices from each. We’ve chosen a wide variety of styles to cover all the bases. 

11 Luxury Handbag Designers that are Worth the Investment

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Chanel

Chanel is at the front of the pack when it comes to resale value. This brand carries 99% of its retail value on the secondary market. Chanel has consistently increased their prices over the years, which helps with resale value. With these iconic statement pieces, the demand will always be higher than the supply.

The Chanel 2.55 Flap, the Classic double flap, and the Chanel boy bag tend to be the main bags with the greatest profit when investing. The 2.55 bag was initially designed in 1955 by Coco herself creating an emphasis on practicality with its strap. In the 1980s, Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the 2.55 bag by creating the classic double flap. The two new features of this style were the woven leather chain and the c-turn-lock closure. In 2011, the boy bag was designed, and it was styled to reflect Coco’s famous boyish attitude. Owning a piece of Chanel history will never go out of style, making this the perfect investment piece.

Prada

Prada has a commitment to timeless design and originality, and the Italian craftsmanship makes you strive to attain the IT status. Many Prada bags can be easily spotted in the hands of fashion gurus on the high street. The classic silhouette of their shoulder bags has sticking power and adds a polished look to any outfit.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga has a bit of a raw, ultra cool style. The silhouettes are slouchy, and the more you use them, the more the shape relaxes. You can really test the waters with the different colors. If you don’t want to take a risk, stick with the black and neutrals; however, the Classic City Bag comes in so many colors, there is one sure to please even the pickiest of fashion gurus.

Christian Dior

What was your favorite TV show of the 90s? Many of you automatically thought about Sex In The City, where Carrie Bradshaw made the Dior Saddle bag the perfect symbol of status. Beauty and elegance are represented with features on this bag, such as charms and an optional crossbody strap. This bag is another great item for resale due to its iconic look.

Bottega Veneta

Daniel Lee took over the helm of this brand in 2019, and he revolutionized it. His brilliance has impacted the handbag world in more ways than one. The demand for these bags has increased their resale price, making this bag no longer a high-risk purchase. Bottega offers a shape or silhouette for everyone, and the bags come in multiple bold colors, making them trendy but still timeless. There is a focus on innovation and avant-garde shapes while reinventing the classic house codes.

Fendi

Fendi’s famous Baguette Bag has had a cult following for years. The fabric is light and easy and has a nostalgic 90s feel. The Peekaboo bag is a classic staple in the house after being introduced in 2009. It is named for its unorthodox construction, which sees the bag separated down the middle into two distinct halves.

This brand has a high demand as well, making it hold 95% of its retail value.

Hermes

The Hermes bag is one of the only luxury items that actually appreciates in value. The minute you leave that store, it goes up in value depending on the bag’s specs. The history and commitment to craftmanship at Hermes are intrinsic in every piece, making them highly desirable. An example of their excellent craftsmanship is the coveted Birkin bag. It can take up to 40 hours to make using a double needle saddle stitch that cannot be replicated on a sewing machine. Hermes bags are made to last, making them the perfect investment piece.  

Loewe

Loewe’s century-old store is indicative of the talent they house. They craft high-quality leather with enduring appeal. Famous for deconstructing and reassembling rectangular bags, their most popular look is the puzzle bag. The Loewe puzzle bag is the most recognizable and iconic bag for the brad. It has an edgier style with an exposed zipper that adds a fun element in all the right spots.

The Gate bag is another fan favorite. The classic saddle bag has been given modern interpretations in Loewe’s Gat design. It is simple in appearance but has its own unique personality.

Another Loewe favorite is the balloon bag. A 2022 Spring trend, this bag is an investment for more of a risk taker. Multiple celebrities have been spotted with this bag, and it is very tactile with a rigid round base and smooth napa sac on the inside.

Saint Laurent

These bags aren’t only an excellent investment for their elevated style, but they too have a higher resale value. They have a timeless style, excellent quality, materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This iconic brand has had a global presence with a rich history throughout the years, making its product desired by many.

Chloe

This brand is versatile, sophisticated, and perfect for moving from day to night. They’re a fantastic balance of classic sophistication and contemporary edge.

Celine

A Celine bag is a perfect luxurious product that you don’t have to keep in the closet. When Phoebe Philo left Celine, resale prices increased by 30% and continue to rise.  

The Classic bag has clean lines and a pared-back adornment.

The Luggage bag was launched in 2010 and has been worn by many celebrities. This timeless classic has ample space, is practical, and is a great investment piece you will be sure to use for years.

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