In the handbag world, the word classic immediately brings to mind a few iconic bags. Think the Louis Vuitton Speedy, Alma, and storied Noé. Of course, a discussion of handbag classics isn’t complete without a mention of the Chanel 2.55 Reissue or the Classic 11.12 Flap.
These bags, among others like the Hermès Kelly and Birkin, have cemented their place in modern handbag history—though many can argue that the Birkin’s shape is not exactly a classic silhouette. That’s where the idea of what exactly defines a classic bag comes into play.
In many ways, the idea of a handbag classic is subjective. Still, all of the bags mentioned have remained relevant and beloved for decades, earning them icon status that simply can’t be argued. In the summer of 2023, inspired by the ever-changing trend cycle, we began the discussion of which new bags had the power to stand the test of time.
Today, we’re back with four more bags that seem to be in it for the long haul, proving popular with die-hard collectors and newbies alike.
Gucci Horsebit 1955
Alessandro Michele will go down in fashion history as the archival revival king, and it started with the Gucci Horsebit 1955 in late 2019. While Gucci’s storied heritage was always a source of inspiration for Michele, infused into his designs, it wasn’t until the Horsebit 1955 that Gucci’s then-creative director brought back entirely a shape from the archives.
Modernized for the 2020s, the new Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag utilized the original bag’s form and lines but with a refreshed spin. Crafted from the brand’s iconic GG Supreme coated canvas, it bears a Horsebit detail, which is one of the most important brand signifiers of the House of Gucci.
For decades, this symbolic finish has been used on bags, shoes, accessories, and ready-to-wear. It’s this finish that makes the Horsebit 1955 a strong contender for classic status.
Bottega Veneta Hop
The newest bag on the list, the Bottega Veneta Hop bag, made its debut on the runway for Fall 2023, and its timing couldn’t have been more perfect. For seasons, the big bag was gaining traction, and the Hop’s release came when the trend was finally hitting its peak.
At the same time, soft, slouchy carryalls were becoming the silhouette of choice. The Hop bag was then-creative director Matthieu Blazy’s take, and it was a hit. While the Hop bag is so clearly of the moment, at the core, it takes inspiration from Bottega Veneta’s storied heritage, offering a hint of timelessness as well, giving it an added boost to remain relevant for decades.
Chanel 19 Bag
In March of 2019, Chanel posthumously debuted Karl Lagerfeld’s last collection for Chanel. Introduced on the runway that year was a new bag that, too, would be Karl Lagerfeld’s last for the House. Designed alongside his right hand and soon-to-be successor, Virginie Viard, the Chanel 19 bag was created as an homage to the 2.55 bag.
Supple yet semi-structured, the 19 Bag was a big change from Lagerfeld’s typically more classic designs. It followed in the footsteps of the massive push of the Chanel Gabrielle Bag. Unlike the Gabrielle Bag, the 19 felt more like the classic Chanel fans know and love, but with a slight contemporary twist.
Half a decade later, the Chanel 19 bag has proven its staying power, still, in many ways it feels more trendy than classic. However, given the bag’s ties to the old Chanel, the possibility of the Chanel 19 making the leap to ultimate icon status is not that far-fetched.
As we enter a new era of the brand, time will tell the Chanel 19’s fate.
Louis Vuitton OnTheGo
The Louis Vuitton OnTheGo bag first debuted in the Spring of 2019, and it was a hit instantaneously. First introduced in Monogram Reverse Canvas, the OnTheGo was like a contemporary update to the (like it or not) now-classic Neverfull. Fans fell head over heels in love with the spacious carryall, selling it out completely, with some collectors paying up to double the retail price to snag one.
In the years since, the line has expanded, with Louis Vuitton introducing the shape in new sizes, silhouettes, and novelty iterations alike. Most recently, Louis Vuitton added the Onthego in classic Damier Ebene canvas to its line-up, further solidifying the Onthego’s place amongst its icons.
Have been wanting to get a Chanel 9 for a long time but hesitating over the lack of structure that gets worse the more it is used such as the black one in this article.
You can get a purse organizer that will fit the exact size of the bag and it will help keep the bag’s structure. I have had one in my 19 that I have owned for the past 5 years and it has not lost it’s original structure.
I really like this Gucci bag. IRL it does not disappoint, beautiful and well constructed.
I have one too and I love it!
LV On The Go??? Really??
I absolutely love my cognac one – YES and I have many other designers.
I have the reverse monogram as well but would not call this an iconic bag by any means.
Things are sad if these are the contenders for the new classics. The Gucci bag is tired because they have just oversaturated the market with their logo. It doesn’t feel special as all.
The Chanel 19 will forever be burdened with being a part of the puffy bag / shoe craze from 5 years ago. It just screams era and IMO can’t shake being time stamped.
The On the Go is a great looking bag but I don’t see it as being timeless either. Of the three, I think it has the best shot as wearing well over time but I think the large logos are going to hamper it being seen as a forever classic.
There have got to be better choices that coupd have gone in this article. Sheesh.
100% agree like none of these would be able transcend time. They’ll be phased out in the next 5 years I guarantee 😅
The nineties called and want their Gucci bag back.
I really love the Gucci. I would love to have both of those pictured above. It is a classic shape and size. I also want a BV, but I’m looking at the very classic Lauren 1980 – small.
Also if the gucci bag couldn’t stick around after it was first released what makes anyone think it will stick around now
agree on the Horsebit and Hop Bag.