Ever since Phoebe Philo took the reins at Céline in 2008, everything from the brand elicits an immediate want-need-now feeling. Philo and Céline's former head of accessories Johnny Coca—now creative director at Mulberry— created a plethora of instant 'it bags', but none more so than the beautifully minimalistic Box Bag. It debuted in 2011 and is an update on a much-loved bag from the Céline archives. The most notable changes from the original are the clasp, a simple rectangular gold clasp replaces the horse-and-carriage metal clasp that represented the brand's former logo, and the flap has been lengthened. The perfect size for an everyday bag, it fits all your essentials and can be worn cross-body, as a clutch or as a shoulder bag. Available every season in a variety of colors and leathers, it comes in two sizes, small and medium, and retails from $3,900 up.
Meet the ultimate investment bag.
Not to be confused with the brand's 2.55 bag (the iconic bag designed by Coco Chanel in February 1955) the Classic Flap is Karl Lagefeld's contemporary take on Coco's original 2.55, but has become just as, if not more, iconic as its predecessor.
What are the differences? The Classic Flap has the iconic interlocking CCs clasp and chain strap interwoven with leather, while the 2.55 has a rectangular 'Mademoiselle' clasp and all metal strap.
Available in four sizes—small, medium/large, jumbo and maxi—buying the Classic Flap is one of the most reliable investments you could make. Proof? Baghunter reports that since 2010 the value of the bag has increased by an incredible 70 per cent.
$4,700 will get you the small in classic black 'caviar' leather, while you'll need to stretch your budget to just over $6,000 for the maxi.
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Though the Peekaboo debuted in 2009, it was about five years later that its popularity really peaked. Named after the childhood game, the Peekaboo's defining feature is its easy-to-open and close side 'pouch', secured by a central clasp at the top of the bag, that allows you to quickly access all your essentials without having to delve around in its roomy inner compartment. Said pouch often has a statement lining that 'peeks' through when the clasp is left undone. Designed by Fendi's Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld and available in micro, mini, regular and large, prices start at $1,550.
You probably expected to see the iconic Hermes Birkin on 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.
Each bag takes artisans up to 25 hours to create, making it (unfortunately) as hard to get hold of as a Birkin. Prices start around $8, 400, but a Kelly (or Birkin) is a proven investment, it will only increase in value thanks to its exclusivity and rareness.
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.
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The Lady Dior was created in 1994 with the sole purpose of becoming a classic—succeeding with the help of Princess Diana.
Originally named 'chouchou' (French for 'favorite'), it was given it's 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.
It's key attributes are its 'cannage' topstitching, described by Dior as 'a network of lines stitched vertically and diagonally create a precise harmony from which cushions of quilted leather emerge like a scattering of shimmering, faceted diamonds', and it's D,I,O,R charms, which hang from the top handle.
Available in a variety of colors and fabrics each season (it's also worth scouring eBay for vintage models), and in mini, standard and large sizes, prices start at $2,950 for the smallest.
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Better known as the Saffiano Lux bag, this bag is named after the leather from which it's made, 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.
Available in a variety of sizes, starting at $1,290.
From: Town & Country