No trend has taken off quite as heavily as the seemingly universal desire to own a designer handbag in recent times. Each year brings a new set of trends and styles, but there are certain luxury fashion houses (read: Prada, Dior and Coach) who consistently sell out of just about every bag that they release.
Take the popularity of Prada’s Cleo handbag — a perfect example of our reignited obsession with vintage styles. Inspired by archival styles, the design is a clear homage to the 90s, with its brushed leather finish and structured yet soft shape. Of course, its debut at the SS22 Miuccia Prada x Raf Simons show sparked a thousand dupes, but a designer bag would be nothing without the brand logo, meaning people are more inclined to buy the real deal.
It’s not clear how or why the resurgence of designer handbags has felt more prominent now than ever before, but the collective spending power of Gen Z is pushing these luxury brands further into the mainstream. Whatever the reason, these investment pieces are back in a big way, becoming even more timeless in nature and even more appealing to a range of shoppers.
Popular culture has undoubtedly played a huge role in fuelling our obsession, with last year’s Sex And The City reboot remind everyone of Carrie Bradshaw’s love of designer labels. This, in turn, caused an uptick in searches around specific vintage styles like the Lady Dior and Fendi Baguette, with more people keen to buy into the nostalgic Y2K aesthetic that saw every shoulder bag emblazoned with a signature logo. The Dior Saddlebag with its signature D letter hardware hanging from its centre has also seen a big spike in popularity.
One thing we know for sure, is that our love of handbags from heritage brands isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Below, marie claire’s edit of the designer handbags that have been dominating the shoulders of everyone who’s anyone.
The most popular designer handbag styles to shop
Horsebit 1955 shoulder bag, $4,940 from Gucci
Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag, $3900 from Prada
Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 In Shearling, $1,395 from Coach
Michael Kors Jet Set Charm Small Chain Pouchette, $369 from THE ICONIC
Small Puzzle Bag in Satin Calfskin, $4,650 from LOEWE
The Denim Baguette, $240 from Dylan Kain
Lady D-Lite Bag in Latte, $8,400 from Dior
Primavera Shoulder Bag S Geranium, $529 from Furla
Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag, $4,630 from Gucci
Signature Jacquard Demi Bag, $550 from Coach
