The luxury handbag landscape is ever-changing. Year after year, it is met with big luxury shakeups, with fashion’s major players shifting from brand to brand. There have been many shocking twists and turns over the years, with beloved designers moving from one brand to another or departing to take some time off while fans eagerly await their next move.
Some announcements feel timely; for example, when a brand starts to feel stagnant, it is almost as if a creative director has exhausted their innovation and evolvement. However, oftentimes, fans are left blindsided (take Daniel Lee’s departure from Bottega Veneta) when a designer quickly exits following only a short stint.
An Empty Seat Remains
Most recently, the news took the fashion world by storm that one of the great fashion visionaries of our time, Alessandro Michele, would be taking over Valentino, just as his successor at Gucci has found his footing.
Meanwhile, an empty seat at Givenchy’s table remains, with the head design role still vacant following Matthew Williams’ exit. With so many changes behind us and many still to come, switches in brand loyalty are not completely unheard of.
Where once a heritage brand’s DNA and distinct codes remained at the core, with each new designer, that’s not always the case. A new designer can seismically shift a brand’s overall aesthetic for the better—or sometimes for the worse.
History and Heritage Make a Favorite
While Loewe remains a constant favorite of mine thanks to its incredible attention to detail and craft, and its innovative spirit, with each new Celine season I become more and more enamored with the brand’s bags.
I first fell in love with fashion for the creative outlet it provided, but furthering my knowledge of the industry in school helped me fall in love with the history behind it. Thus, I enjoy researching the history of a brand, and when its bags tie back to the archives, I tend to romanticize its story (it’s that reason why I don’t shy away from logos).
While Hedi Slimane’s Celine is wildly different from the Celine of the recent past, the designer consistently pays tribute to the brand’s beginnings, and I’ve loved watching it evolve. I find the Triomphe chic and sleek and each season it is further expanded upon, making me want to add more Celine pieces to my rotation.
Which bag brand is your favorite right now?
Polène! They have, in my opinion, the most interesting, innovative, original and aesthetically pleasing designs out there. Miraculously combined with excellent quality/craftsmanship and low prices. I believe Loewe is in for some healthy competition
I third Polène lol
Second Polene!
Yes! I am awaiting my new Cyme mini! Contemplating between Celine, then I saw Cyme and the competitive pricing:)
Loewe and Bottega for me!
Loewe, especially their older stuff/ collection from around 2017 to 2020 (basically before they blew up). I missed out on their past collection and would like to slowly collect them. Also, their bags accessories/ charms from recent seasons have been killing it lately
Love, love, love Loewe!!
Coach. For sbout the last three years, I bought plethora of their bags. They are just good everyday bags. Luxury/designer bags were just not interesting. Those that were interesting were not functional. In November, I bought my dream bag (Burberry), and a Stella McCartney Falabella. Other than that, no luxury bags for me.
Another brand is JW Anderson. Those bags are very cool.
I agree about Coach making good every day bags.
I have owned most luxury brand bags and many Coach. I feel that the Coach leather bags(I specifically prefer the glovetanned leather pieces) are among my favourite. I did branch out and try a lamb skin Pillow Tabby though and it do quite like it! The resin chain strap you can add on is so fun.
I do have a few luxury workhorses who are practical. I know they’re not “in “ right now but a Gucci Boston is so nice for the transitional season because you can keep hats etc together when the sun comes out. They make them in less in your face Monogram too. I have a burgundy tone on tone and you can’t even tell it’s monogram unless you look close. I prefer the interior to the speedy.
I do love my JW Anderson bag! Underrated IMO.
This years bag purchase was Prada but my favorite is Chanel!
Just bought an older Odette for my crossbody. Love it!!
ooo which Prada?!
I think Max Mara bags are very underrated.
Agreed. I have a couple of them and they’re so beautifully crafted.
Loewe, for me. I just bought their latest Flamenco, but still use my old puzzle bag as my daily go-to. Their quality is top notch.
Its hard to pick one singular brand that has my attention as a fashion and purse lover. So my top 3 – Bottega, Loewe, and Totem (got a chance to visit the store in Los Angeles – everything is so beautifully made and prices are decent).
My favorite is my raspberry Loewe Puzzle Bag – so many compliments! I regret giving away all of my Coach. The older ones are so sought after now. Even though I own three Chanel bags, my Dior Hardcore Poison Bag from John Galliano is my Holy Grail – so punk and edgy!
Louis Vuitton is a perennial favorite of mine, love their recent collections. Also liking Celine
Used to like Louis Vuitton but since their quality dropped I am no longer spend my precious money. Louis Vuitton suddenly became a brand like H&M or ZARA. They produce too many shit products in short time
LV is still one of my top go-to bag brands. However, it does depend on the bag you choose. Of the five LV bags floating around our household, all of them are of excellent quality (Alma Malletage PM, Trevi PM, V Tote MM, Michael backpack and messenger bag both in Daimier Infini leather). My next LV bag will probably be the Lockit MM in either Earth or Gold taurillon. I’ve seen it IRL and no faults or materials corner cutting detected. And the new Sac Coussin BB H32 in embroidery and sequins has def evening bag possibilities.
OTOH, I just saw the new black Alma 103 Fashion leather — what??? It looks like they “decorated” it with a Confederate flag cross. Mmmm, no thanks. Especially with a 7500 euro price tag. And yeah, on some of the bags, the leather did look cheap (or cheap-ish).
not a brand exactly but all NON birkin and kelly Hermes bags, especially bolide and trim bags.
Same here! Even more so, their canvas bags
Plus, my unpopular opinion is that while no one was looking, along with LV, Birkins are quickly becoming very chavvy.
Bottega, Fendi, Margiela
Overall, Celine. I love the colors and design of almost every bag in the current line. For the past week or so, I have been carrying a white COS Cavatelli in size small.
Ferragamo! Maximilian Davis has really brought a modern edge to the house while impeccable quality remains.
Of course, Loewe. I have a mini Puzzle bumbag and an Anton backpack. I love them for the quality and durability. Also Polene, my wife has the Huit and I want to give her a Neuf or Dix.
The Row & Bottega I own an abundance of their bags, and will continue to purchase.
I would love to add the Row to my collection, I have always loved the Half Moon bag. Maybe one day!
I don’t favor any one particular brand. Next purchase will be a Ferragamo backpack for taking my laptop top etc back and forth in my hybrid work life — it’s been ordered, just waiting for delivery. After that, I have my eye on bags from several brands — Tod’s, Ferragamo, Saint Laurent, Tissa Fontaneda, Fontana Milano 1915, maybe even Schiaparelli (I love the Anatomy Jewelry bag). Will not get all of them, of course!
Schiaparelli is a whole other avenue – such a collector’s piece! Do share if you purchase one.
Will do! We have a week in Paris planned for November, so if it’s in the budget will get it then.
Forgot to mention Orciani! This is an interesting Italian brand with some very attractive bags, all priced under 1k. Really liking the Sveva Sense medium bag in brown. https://www.orciani.com/ch/en_ch/orciani-sveva-sense-medium-leather-shoulder-bag-with-shoulder-strap-brown.html
However, oftentimes, fans are left blindsided (take Matthieu Blazy’s departure from Bottega Veneta) when a designer quickly exits following only a short stint.
Do you mean Daniel Lee
A black Prada runway bag is my favorite followed by my Bottega Adriano bags.
It’s all about The Row, Bottega, and Alaia right now tbh. I work in the industry and let me tell you, there’s only three bags you should purchase this year. All three are trendy but are very timeless so if you decide not to buy a bag for a couple years after that then you’ll be more than fine. First is the Bottega large Hop in fondant. Forget all other sizes, they’re tacky and won’t go that extra mile to make it a timeless piece. The Row Margaux 17. I know I know, you’re tired of hearing about this bag… but hear me out. I’ve come to realize that most of the people out there who are trashing this handbag haven’t even seen or touched it irl. This is why you don’t “get it”. Row pieces aren’t massed produced and sold to a million retailers like a lot of other brands so it’s more difficult to see one up close. The Margaux is one that will last you 50 yrs and will still look timeless and chic! Again, always go larger if you can, the mini bags look dated and are out for the long foreseeable future. Third is the Alaia Teckel in the regular size (again not small!) in black. Don’t be tempted by the array of colors coming, they overall make the bag look cheap and too trendy. Always stick with black. There’s a reason you can’t get your hands on this even if you tried, this bag is absolute perfection. If IT bags were a thing again, this would be the IT bag for 2024. I can’t say one bag thing about this piece tbh, it goes with every outfit for every occasion and fits all the essentials and way more. Its the quintessential cool girl bag. You’re welcome.
You’ve got to be kidding! 😂 While fashion can have some darlings, there are no must have bags nor any must have colors. True style comes from selecting those items that express your unique fashionable POV. Imagine how horrifying if would be if everyone wore those boring as snot bags you listed to the exclusion of anything else.
Ms. High and Mighty spouting her arse again….
Agree. Theirs was a completely ridiculous comment.
Valextra and The Row. Looking for my next bag to be bespoke and so far under the radar as to be invisible.
A 35 cm “Dream Bag” in tan by Swiss bespoke bag maker Peter Nitz. No more Hermès for me. I want TOTALLY under the radar. I was an avid H fan for decades, but the brand is quickly becoming chavvy. Because of overexposure it’s now doomed to become even more so.
Christian Louboutin and Valentino! I spent way too much money on designer bags in the past. I’m carrying vintage now, going forward due to the insane price of the new bags! I’m doing me, and me only!
SAME!! Vintage, leaser known brands or local bespoke for me. The prices are insane just to look like everyone else in a lesser and lesser quality bag.
The Row! But not the Margaux lol.
Bottega bags are just gorgeous and my favs for going out with.Still, after all these years, I love my Hermes Evelyn bags. They are my favourite because they are easy to find your things in and have a comfortable, durable, adjustable, cross-body strap.
I just bought two Evelyns through a resale site a TPM and PM I LOVE them!
I’m all over the place in regard to brands in general but currently—-Bottega Veneta, and Mulberry 🙂
I am favoring my Chloe Roy Bucket Bag with little horses printed on it. I am just learning how to ride horses again so I feel it’s fitting for the now!