The Designer Handbags You Won't Regret Investing In.

Classic designer handbags and new collections that are worth the hype and the waiting list.

BY AMY BREWSTER AND DAISY MURRAY.

We often talk about 'investment pieces', the things that will supposedly see you through a lifetime of wardrobe crises.

Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to a handbag. A well-chosen designer bag really can last you forever, and even become a valuable heirloom after you're gone (sorry, bit morbid). Conversely, if you're interested in actually making money, as well as spending it, then a well-timed purchase and subsequent sale could help you bring in the big bucks.

Here, we dish the inside info on which classic designer bags and newer hypey items people are searching for, buying, selling second-hand and what is really worth pumping your hard-earned, long-saved money into...

The 2020 Big Hitters

Seen ubiquitously on fashion influencer Instagram accounts and street style shots the world over, the Bottega Veneta pouch was a late 2019 favourite and it looks like it’s not going anywhere in 2020.

Following on from designer Daniel Lee’s multiple Fashion Award wins back in December – including Accessories Designer of the Year - the Bottega Veneta pouch has been searched 240 times a day on shopping platform, Lyst.\

Bag searches including the word 'minimal' have also seen a huge rise on Lyst. Up 118% since December and of the results that have surfaced, bags by Bottega Veneta, Staud and By Far are the most viewed. Looks like the minimal cloud-like pouch is ticking a lot of boxes!

Possibly the most meme-able bag that ever existed (hi Lizzo) and with a huge celebrity fan base (hi Rihanna), the Jacquemus Le Chiquito Mini bag will fit your air pods, bank cards and very little else.

Not only is it popular, it’s reselling for 75% more than its original retail price. The Pochette purchase is a no brainer.

The Style Staples.

Christian Dior's Lady Dior Bag.

The Lady Dior was created in 1994 with the sole purpose of becoming a classic - and it succeeded, helped along by Princess Diana.

Originally named 'chouchou' (French for 'favourite'), it was given its current moniker as a tribute to the princess - who was known as Lady Diana Spencer before her marriage - in 1996 after she fell in love with it. She faithfully carried it for years.

ELLE UK Accessories Editor Molly Haylor thinks the Lady Dior is worth the investment, 'This is a perfect investment piece because, unlike statement bags, this basically never changes. The size, and normally the colour stay the same so it’s extremely symbolic. You'll never have to get the updated version.'

Chanel's 2.55 Bag.
Meet the ultimate investment bag.

The 2.55 is a singular rectangular shape and was created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955. Not to be confused with the Chanel Classic Flap bag, although the two do share a strong resemblance.

The difference being the 2.55 has a rectangular 'Mademoiselle' clasp and an all metal strap whereas the Classic Flap has the interlocking CCs clasp with a chain strap interwoven with leather.

'No matter what colour or size you can spot the Chanel 2.55 in a crowd,' says Haylor. 'Chanel has created this bag every year so it's iconic structure is worth it's price tag. I also love that unlike a lot of other designer bags it's big enough to carry everything you need.'

Fendi's Baguette Bag.
Often cited as the first It bag, there are few accessories as iconic as the humble Fendi baguette. Known for it's craftsmanship, Fendi is a brand to invest in. It's not going anywhere. The Baguette style was designed in 1997 and remains just as popular 23 years later.

'Famously made cool by Carrie in Sex And The City, the Fendi Baguette has had a real comeback this season thanks to Vesitaire and Restory,' says Haylor. 'In SS19 at Milan fashion week Fendi relaunched the baguette and ever since it's been on the top of my shopping list.'

Hermès' 'Kelly' Bag.
Yes, you may be expecting to see the iconic Hermes Birkin in this list and that would indeed be justified. But we think the French fashion house's Kelly style is in fact the true investment bag.

The Kelly hasn't enjoyed quite the level of overexposure as its label-mate, meaning its altogether more understated look and cleaner lines seems as fresh today as they did in the 1930s, when it was first created.

Known initially as the Sac à dépêches, it was renamed the Kelly in homage to Grace Kelly, a life-long fan of the style who famously used it to shield her first pregnancy from the ever-present paparazzi.

Each bag takes artisans up to 25 hours to make and it's unfortunately as hard to get hold of as a Birkin. Prices start around £7,000, but a Kelly (or Birkin) is a proven investment, it will only increase in value thanks to its exclusivity and rareness.

Prada 'Galleria' Bag

Though officially called the Galleria by Prada, it is better know as the Saffiano Lux bag, after the leather it is made of, which was first created and patented by Mario Prada, founder of the brand and grandfather of its current Creative Director Miuccia Prada.

The heat-treated leather is embossed with a cross-hatch pattern that increases durability, scratch-resistance, and water-resistance.

Loved for its roomy interior and simple, suitable-for-work design, it has become a true classic over the last decade.

Bottega Veneta's Zebra Print Pouch.
In 2019, Bottega Veneta's cloud-like pouch was about simplicity and neutrality. In 2020, it's had a makeover and the zebra print version is set to be a big hit in 2020.

Celenie Seidel, Farfetch's Senior Womenswear Editor, says, 'Zebra print is undeniably having a big moment. To get your fix, look no further than this particularly pleasing, huggable textured clutch from Bottega Veneta.'

Paco Rabanne's Chain Link Bag.
Throughout the 1960s Paco Rabanne used chainmail in place of traditional fabrics and never looked back. The look became instantly recognisable and now offers a vintage and partywear feel combined.

'As something the house has been producing for such a long time, Paco Rabanne’s glomesh and chain link bags are a true classic, and a less obvious ‘timeless’ choice,' says Seidel. 'I love the new iterations of these styles under creative director Julien Dossena.'

Saint Laurent's Uptown Wallet Bag.
Carrying a Saint Laurent bag is like carrying a piece of the brand's history. The bags are named after the designer's favourite places in Paris and iconic muses and the Uptown collection is one of the most recognisable. Featuring the brand's metal logo, the new addition to the collection is destined to be a hit.

'The newest addition of the Uptown family, the wallet on a chain is proving to be one of our best sellers for Spring/Summer, and even comes with its own card holder,' says Selfridges Buying Manager Josie Gardner.