P urses are some of the most elite accessories one can sport- a chic, designer purse glimmering on your shoulder can take a simplistic outfit to the next level.
In this list, we’ve reminisced about some of the best luxury purses of all time, from Louis Vuitton to Hermes, Gucci, and more. While some articles are new and exciting, some iconic and classic pieces continue to hit headlines month after month.
- Louis Vuitton Speedy
First released in the 1930s, the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is an absolute iconic classic, having survived decades of changes in fashion to remain one of the most sought-after designer bags even today. This bag has arguably stylized the monogram print, and it's deep brown color embellished with the brand logo is recognized as one of the most iconic purse designs today.
The Speedy was once adorned by legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, but has undergone many style changes since then. Retaining its signature monogram print, the bag is currently available in various colors, materials, and sizes.
- Hermes Birkin
With sky-rocketing price points and market values stretching to millions of dollars, the Hermes Birkin collection is considered some of the most valuable purses in the world. The story behind the Birkin stretches back to 1981, when supermodel Jane Birkin was sharing a flight with Hermes’ then CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. She expressed her frustration at not having a luxury stylish purse, and three years later, the Birkin was born.
Since then, the Birkin production has been tightly controlled, making it a rare and valuable design specifically for the ultra-rich. The bags have continued to dominate luxury stores, fashion magazines, being worn by A-lister celebrities and making appearances in movies like Sex and The City.
- Lady Dior by Christian Dior
The Lady Dior bag (known initially as Chouchou) is one that immediately got a celebrity status when sported on the arm of Lady Diana back in 1955. The bag was gifted to her by First Lady of France Bernadette Chirac and soon began to make headlines, dominating the purse scene even today.
The bag is crafted with plush quilted leather and has a signature ‘Cannage’ motive in a diamond pattern. It was renamed Lady Dior in honor of the Princess of Wales and remains one of the most sought-after items by the brand. It has now been re-interpreted in many different styles, colors, and materials, but the original black plush is timeless and elegant even today.
- Dior Book Tote
Another iconic bag silhouette, the patterned tote bag embellished with the brand’s name in large, bold letters, is yet another Dior classic that seems to never go out of style. The bag features oblique motifs crafted in 1967 by designer Marc Bohan, celebrated for his 30-year career at the House of Dior.
The iconic tote bag is now available in a wide range of animal prints, exotics, camouflage, and houndstooth (one of the favorites of Christian Dior himself). Since its introduction in 2018, the bag has been an instantaneous favorite and continues to dominate the luxury purse scene season after season.
- Gucci Jackie Hobo
First introduced to the world in the 1950s as “Constance,” the bag took on the name of First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1961. The Gucci Jackie Hobo stormed to popularity when pictures of the First Lady shielding herself from paparazzi using the Gucci bag first hit the public. A fashion staple in the 1970s, the bag lost some of its appeal in the 1980s, but not for long. It was revisited and reintroduced by Tom Ford and Frida Giannini and is now available in newer designs and styles.
Recent sightings have been in the hands of celebrities like Harry Styles and Kaia Gerber, showing the Gucci Jackie Hobo retains its lush charm even today.
- Chanel Classic Flap
Curated with plush quilted black leather, the Chanel Classic Flap was the vision of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who wanted to design a multi-functional hands-free bag. The Classic Flap was first revealed in 1955 and became an instantaneous hit, with the quilted black leather design inspiring many others of the brand’s iconic pieces. Since then, the bag has been re-released with multiple additional features, sporting open pockets, burgundy linings, and turn-back closures. Despite having undergone many revamps, the bag’s original glamor and appeal remains untouched since its first launch.
The world of luxury purses is vast and lavish, with designers releasing exclusive items worth millions of dollars at the turn of every season. If you can afford it, you should own at least one of these best luxury purses of all time and take your look to the next level.
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