Originally debuted in 1955, the Chanel classic flap bag (also known as the 2.55) has retained its popularity for well over half a decade. The bag is unarguably an investment piece, which rises in price by about 16% a year. 

If you’re looking to invest in the style at a more affordable price point, our advice would be to check out reputable resale sites first. You can find great pre-loved options around at places like Open For Vintage (opens in new tab)or Sellier Knightsbridge (opens in new tab) for example. 

Ever since Carrie Bradshaw uttered the words, “it’s not a bag, it’s a baguette,” the Fendi Baguette bag has been immortalised in pop-culture (and in our hearts). 

This year, Fendi celebrated 25 years of the iconic silhouette (opens in new tab) with a dedicated runway show in New York, heralding the item that’s managed to retain its popularity for over two decades. The bag is popular on resale sites, so if you’re looking for a pre-loved iteration make sure to check Vestiare Collective or Farfetch pre-owned. 

While it was originally released as a part of Dior’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection, the saddle bag has experienced a resurgence of late thanks to its revival on the Autumn/Winter 2018 runway. Under Marie Grazia Chiuri’s guidance, the saddle bag was reimagined for a new age in leather iterations as well as Dior’s classic monogrammed canvas. 

Originally released in the 1950s under a different name, the Jackie bag a rebranded twenty years later when first lady Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting the iconic item in the 1970s. 

Gucci Creative director Alessandro Michele since re-released the item as a part of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic. 

According to Hermès (opens in new tab), the idea for the Birkin bag was developed after actress Jane Birkin complained to former Hermès Executive Chairman Jean-Louis Dumas about not being able to find a bag big enough to fit all her belongings as a mother. 

The item has since then become one of the most famous and coveted handbags in history. It is rumoured the waiting list for the iconic item can be up to six years. 

Prada is undeniably a purveyor of incredible handbags. Over the years the luxury brand has released many memorable styles. While the rectangle Galleria Saffiano tote is a classic favourite, the Prada Cleo is an icon for the modern era. 

Available in a number of shades and sizes, there is an iteration for everyone. Though the classic black or beige will make the most timeless investments. 

As one of the newer bags on this list, in recent years the popularity of Valentino’s VLogo range has eclipsed its previously popular rockstud. 

The beauty of the VLogo range is that is it far less trend-led than the rockstud collection, meaning you can keep these classics bags for years to come without every worrying that they’ll go out of style. 

Released in 2021, the Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 is another newer kid on the block. While the bag has not been around for very long, its clean lines and sleek aesthetic have the timeless staying power of an instant classic. 

We don’t think this bag will ever go out of style. 

Released in 2015, under Jonathan Anderson’s guidance, the Loewe puzzle bag has since become one of the brand’s best selling styles. Comprised of intricately assembled pieces, the puzzle bag has a very distinct aesthetic, which has come to be one of Loewe’s signatures. 

Under Daniel Lee’s reign, Bottega Veneta reinvented its signature intrecciato weave, playing with proportions to create supersized versions of the house’s iconic style. And so the Padded Cassette bag was born. 

Seen on everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Victoria Beckham and Rihanna, the bag has been extremely popular over the last few years, solidifying its entry to the handbag hall of fame.