No one really needs a day to celebrate handbags when you’re celebrating them all the time just by carrying them, but it’s National Handbag Day today so in honor of all things tote, bucket, duffel and hobo, we’ve lined up some of the most classic bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Hermes that are loaded with history and intrigue and are worthy investment pieces that will most likely never go out of style:
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is perhaps the most popular bag LV makes. The largest of the three this “Grand Modele” or GM Monogram can fit practically anything. In fact, bags in the Neverfull range, which was introduced in 2007, even come with a guarantee of being able to hold everything up to 200 lbs.
The Chanel Classic Flap
The Classic Flap is a Chanel staple, part of any serious collector’s closet. It comes in seven different sizes, a variety of materials and colors and is assembled by hand by skilled artisans. Perhaps most importantly, it manages to keep growing in value year after year.
The Hermes Birkin
The most iconic bag of all time, the Hermes Birkin takes 48 hours to make on average by a skilled artisan in France who undergoes a 3 t0 4 year long training process. This coveted tote was inspired by a chance meeting between British actress Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, the great grandson of the original Hermes, who sketched the design out on a sick bag as they were on a flight between Paris and London.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy
The Louis Vuitton Speedy was originally launched in 1930 as “The Express.” It’s remained a classic ever since and become one of LV’s most popular bags, known for both its style, shape and practicality.
The Gucci Jackie
A favorite of Jackie Kennedy, this roomy Gucci hobo bag was once called the Constance before it was renamed after the former First Lady in 1961. The bag was recently relaunched by Gucci’s former creative director Frida Giannini, but its classic shape means its previous incarnations are still in style.
The Hermes Constance
Another iconic bag from Hermes, the Constance was designed by Catherine Chaillet in 1959. It was named after her daughter, who was born the same day the bag was put in production. With adjustable leather shoulder straps, four sizes to choose from and a signature “H” closure that makes this bag instantly recognizable, the Constance has earned its place among both Hollywood and regular Hermes aficionados alike.
The Gucci Bamboo
The bamboo handle has been synonymous with all things Gucci since its debut in 1947, when the fashion house, under pressure to find materials not subject to restriction in the aftermath of WWII, turned to source bamboo from Japan. Gucci developed a patented method to heat and shape the plant into the handle it is now best known for. It can now be found on several Gucci bags, including this luxurious leather tote with silver tone hardware
The Louis Vuitton Alma
The Louis Vuitton Alma was a creation of Gaston Vuitton – Louis’ son – who named it for the Alma Bridge, which connects two Parisian neighborhoods. Its classic shape has appeared in a multitude of patterns over the years, including this Monogram Multicolore from Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
The Chanel Boy Bag
Though the Chanel Boy bag was only launched in 2012, its become one of the most sought after bags the fashion house has to offer. Named after the love of Coco Chanel’s life, Arthur “Boy” Capel, the Boy Bag is a bold, modern addition next to other Chanel staples, but makes for a great investment piece. Its edgier look has won it a legion of loyal fans over the years, ensuring its popularity
