22 Best Designer Bags That Are Actually Worth It

What editors love about this bag: Princess Diana is my eternal style icon, so how could I not purchase one of her most favorite handbags? The style was so beloved by the former Princess of Wales that Gucci decided to name it after her when they reimagined the design in 2021—20 years after the original was spotted on her arm. The style is timeless and versatile, characteristics that must be credited to Princess Diana, who schlepped it to the gym and elegantly toted it at formal events all the same. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior beauty editor

Behind the brand: The legacy Italian brand has been around since 1913, and Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons are Prada's current creative directors.

Known for: The brand has revived a handful of ’90s and Y2K-era nylon bags in recent years (and made them more sustainable) and launched new styles like this raffia shopper, all of which are Gen Z staples.

What editors love about this bag: I lived through the original Prada nylon mania of the late ’90s and early 2000s, but there was no way my parents were ever spending that amount of money on a bag for their young daughter. And every time I tried to save, I’d walk by an Urban Outfitters or a Sam Goody. I’ve always coveted the backpack specifically, mostly for its perfectly slouchy construction, discreet logo plate, and chunky pockets. After months of stalking resale sites, I recently acquired the designer bag of my teenage dreams on Poshmark for a quarter of the original retail price, and probably an eighth of what the reissued version, available now, costs. I love that’s simultaneously understated though so obviously classic Prada, and I use it almost daily. For work, it holds my thin laptop perfectly and for weekends it holds my toddler’s snacks (and mine). A true icon! —Perrie Samotin, Glamour digital director

Behind the brand: This luxury Spanish brand is the eldest in the LVMH portfolio (it was founded in the 19th century), with JW Anderson as the current creative director.

Known for: Its wicker totes are bestsellers, though editors and celebs love its leather shoulder bags just as much.

What editors love about this bag: I've been loving everything that JW Anderson's been doing at Loewe, and after months of going back and forth, I decided to buy this precious little thing last summer. I knew I made the right move when it arrived. Not only is it versatile—you can carry it in your hand or loosen the strap to sling it over your shoulder—but it also feels appropriate for day or night. There are a few different colors of this anagram canvas style, but I like the warmth of the brown the most. Next on my list: one of the bracelet pouches. —Talia Abbas, Vogue senior commerce editor

What fashion insiders love about this bag: I'm such a bag lady and am rarely without a large canvas tote, especially when I'm running errands in the city. I've been eyeing this Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote because it eliminates the need for multiple bags while still looking chic. I love that it is both functional and beautiful—the rich burgundy color initially caught my eye. It's also lightweight and the unique design that allows the bag to fold completely flat makes it an easy grab-and-go style. —Jessica Kim, cofounder of This is Co PR

Behind the brand: JW Anderson is Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson's namesake fashion brand. You'll love his playful, colorful bags that give any outfit edge.

Known for: Experimenting with texture and detail—think mega chain links, crystals, raffia, terry cloth, and vibrant leathers that come in a variety of styles, from shoulder bags to top handles to convertible cross-bodies.

What editors love about this bag: I typically gravitate toward chain-strap styles if I’m buying a designer bag that’ll mostly be used for evening, but I’m so close to biting the bullet on this sexy, curvy JW Anderson piece. The green leather is a nice change from my usual all-black predilection, and the tiny Swarovski crystals add serious party vibes. Extra points for the puffy padded leather, which is just so much fun. —P.S.

Behind the brand: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez founded the CFDA Award–winning womenswear and accessories brand in 2002.

Known for: Timeless leather bags, including cult-favorite styles like the slouchy PS1 satchel and boxy PS11 shoulder bag.

What editors love about this bag: I tend to opt for investment bags that feel timeless versus those that are trendy in the moment. One of my favorite handbag labels is Proenza Schouler. (I have four bags from the brand, many of which are from their fall 2016 collection featuring beautiful whipstitch details.) I love Jack and Lazaro’s take on fashion, which often treads the line between modern minimalism with color and texture. They never feel dull; rather, fashion-forward, sharp, and elegant. They’re a must-have in my wardrobe, whether it's for the office or a night out. And for those wondering, I currently have my eyes on their Pipe tote. —Julie Tong, commerce director at Vogue

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Behind the brand: This edgy Stockholm-based brand (which puts out men's and women's collections) has been an industry favorite since 1996.

Known for: Simple styles like flap-over cross-body and Musubi shoulder bag are the most popular (and a great introduction to the brand).

What editors love about this bag: The Acne East-West tote is a true carryall. It's huge but malleable, and the shiny coated fabric is incredibly durable—it's taken me through airports, grocery stores, and weekend trips without any wear or tear. The brand release a few new colors every season, I have the white one too! —Alexandra DeRosa, a New York City–based stylist

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Behind the brand: Simon Porte Jacquemus founded Jacquemus in 2009 after moving from the South of France to Paris.

Known for: Its tiny colorful bags, like Le Bisou, Mini Chiquito, and Bambino.

What editors love about this bag: Some Jacquemus bags are a bit too trendy for me, but I love the giant bead on this newest Le Bisou bag so much that I'm ready to add it to my collection. I don't see myself tiring of the chocolate brown color, and the bag seems sizable enough to fit the essentials without weighing me down. —T.A.

Behind the brand: Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto cofounded Staud in 2015 to bring people luxury fashion at more accessible price points.

Known for: Statement bags that can be dressed up or down. Its beaded Tommy bag is an editor and influencer favorite that comes in 17 colors.

What editors love about this bag: I call this my “Gen Z bag,” because it’s my first non-cross-body or shoulder bag since…honestly, probably the early 2000s. And I love it! It’s so chic it instantly elevates any look without taking any attention away from the ’fit, and is surprisingly spacious and functional despite how sleek it seems to be. Trust me, I’ve put it to the test: I’m the kind of person who needs to carry a small chunk of my life with me at all times (makeup, hand sanitizer, portable charger, at least three lip balms…), and the Scotty holds all of it and more. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour associate beauty editor

Behind the brand: Founded by longtime friends Zi Xuan and Yijia Wang, NYC–based Advene has sustainability woven into the brand DNA. From vetting suppliers to design to packaging, every step of the manufacturing process is carefully considered. Not only is the brand Climate Neutral Certified, but the designers also source only certified and 100% traceable cow leather from the EU-, GOTS-, and OCS-certified hemp, and traceable suede. Even the dust bags are made of deadstock hemp from its Italian suppliers.

Known for: The Age bag, a convertible bucket bag that Hailey Bieber has worn, and the Edge bag, which was spotted on Kendall Jenner.

What editors love about this bag: I recently discovered Advene, a handbag brand that not only creates absolutely stunning bags but also puts thought into every detail—including the customer service and sustainable packaging. This Age is a beautiful, award-winning design made with soft and supple 100% traceable leather and features exposed seams, which is a testament to the craftsmanship of the artisans who worked on it. Its size is perfect for everyday essentials (and maybe a Kindle, for me!). I can’t wait to make it part of my daily look this summer. —Dale Arden Chong, Elle senior fashion editor

Behind the brand: Yves Saint Laurent originally founded his eponymous brand as an haute couture house. Now under the Kering umbrella, Anthony Vaccarello is the current creative director of the French maison.

Known for: Accessories that embody a Parisian cool factor with popular bag styles including Le 5 à 7 hobos and quilted Lou cross-body styles, both embellished with the elegant logo.

What fashion editors love about this bag: Saint Laurent makes classic investment accessories that look good and age even better. I love anything with a ’70s vibe and I always love chocolate suede, so I’ve been wanting this hobo bag. It comes in a large size, but this smaller one is also roomy enough for my essentials and fits over my shoulder. It would update my fall wardrobe and I imagine wearing it with white jeans and a chunky camel turtleneck. —Rae Ann Herman, Oprah Daily style market director

Behind the brand: Founded by Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga in 1919, the luxury house is now owned by Kering and based in Paris.

Known for: The shown Le Cagole handbag series is an iconic one, with its distinct hardware and edgy silhouettes.

What fashion insiders love about this bag: Originally known as the motorcycle bag, it's one of the brand's most iconic and classic bags. I’ve owned this bag for over 10 years—it was one of my first big designer splurge bags. I love it for its versatility. You can carry and wear it in so many ways: cross-body, on your shoulder, or with its top handles. The leather ages so beautifully and it still doesn't show any signs of giving up (it’s one of my only bags that I haven’t had to bring in for any kind of repair or service). It’s definitely a bag worth every penny! —Ashley Afriyie, stylist and fashion brand consultant

Behind the brand: Founded in 1966 with a focus on leather, the luxury Italian house is now part of the Kering portfolio. With Daniel Lee’s creative director appointment in 2018, the heritage brand underwent a modern reinvention (dubbed “New Bottega”) and catapulted into cult status. Today Matthieu Blazy continues to uphold the buzzy label’s aesthetic.

Known for: Beautifully crafted leather handbags, with the intrecciato weave a house signature. Now iconic silhouettes include the Jodie hobo, Pouch, and Cassette.

What fashion editors love about this bag: If you're a mom, this bag is especially great when you're pushing your stroller around and want your basics on hand (including small wipes). It also looks great when you dress it up—it really does go from day to night easily. —Divya Viswanathan, VP commerce portfolio lead at Condé Nast

Behind the brand: The Parisian label was founded in 1987 by Jean Touitou, with his wife, Judith, now the artistic director of the brand.

Known for: Classic quality wardrobe staples with a French sensibility. Handbags embrace timeless silhouettes in leather.

What fashion insiders love about this bag: A.P.C. is one of my go-tos for contemporary leather handbags at affordable price points. Anytime I invest in one of its bags, I never have buyer's remorse. The clean and classic shapes never go out of style, and the quality leather and hardware are made to last. I have been wearing this cross-body for years, and it only gets better with time. I often wear it with my daily uniform of choice: a T-shirt, blazer, jeans, and Chelsea boots. —Kristina Rutkowski, freelance fashion editor and writer

Behind the brand: London-based label Métier was launched in 2017 and offers artisanal handcrafted in Italy leather accessories for the modern traveler.

Known for: Its quiet luxury aesthetic that puts premium leather and craftsmanship at the forefront. Fans include Kate Middleton, Kate Moss, and Nicole Kidman.

What fashion insiders love about the bag: I decided to leave the canvas tote behind and carry all my essentials in style. Initially, I purchased this Métier suede tote with the intention of using it for big meetings, but it has become my go-to carryall for everyday use. —Casey Trudeau, fashion stylist

Behind the brand: Luxury American brand launched in 2008 in New York City by Joseph Altuzarra.

Known for: Like the ready-to-wear assortment, the handbags are all about feminine and elegant shapes in rich textures. One of the most popular is the Watermill collection, with playful shapes constructed in raffia and leather, especially wearable in the fall if you opt for a deeper hue.

What fashion editors love about this bag: I love an easy straw tote in the summer or for a warm-weather vacation, and Altuzarra's small Watermill Bag is the perfect size. Whether I'm headed to a meeting in the city and need to stow my MacBook Air and everyday essentials, or a trip to the beach at a seaside destination is on the horizon, it remarkably fits everything. I own this one in the natural and white colorway, and it pairs nicely with everything from oversized button-downs and jeans to billowy cotton dresses. —K.R.

Behind the brand: Mireia Llusia-Lindh founded DeMellier to offer ethically crafted and responsibly sourced handbags at attainable price points. The collection is designed in London and made in family-owned factories in Spain.

Known for: Modern, sleek styles that can take you from work to weekend—the brand is also a favorite of the royals. Kate Middleton carries the Nano Montreal Bag, while Meghan Markle has been spotted in the more casual Mini Venice saddle bag.

What fashion editors love about this bag: I have a few DeMellier handbags that feature in my rotation. The designs always make me feel a little more polished and pulled together even if I’m just in jeans. The leather is smooth and supersoft. Currently, I'm hoping for its signature Vancouver cross-body in a warm color to pair with my fall knitwear and coats. More often than not, I use a cross-body, and I’m really into the structured shape and minimal hardware of this one. —Paula Lee, editor and brand consultant

Behind the brand: Since debuting in 1993 with six handbags, the brand (founded by former accessories editor Kate Spade) has since become a household fashion name.

Known for: A wide range of handbags, ranging from their iconic nylon totes (Sam is the style that started it all) to whimsical novelty designs to versatile work bags, like the one featured here.

What fashion insiders love about this bag: You can never go wrong with a tote bag. For me it's one of the most practical styles in the handbag category. As someone always on the go, I need a bag that will carry my laptop but also function as a chic accessory to complete my look. This Kate Spade bag acts as both and doesn't break the bank. —A.A.

Behind the brand: Influencer turned designer Elin Kling cofounded the Stockholm-based label in 2014 alongside her husband.

Known for: Its minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic that is designed to transcend seasonal trends. Handbags were launched in 2022 with fashion girlies quickly on board.

What fashion editors love about this bag: Toteme can do no wrong in my book. I splurge on its year-round wardrobe staples like the anorak jacket and perfectly cut tanks. Surprisingly, I don’t own a classic, goes-with-everything handbag in black or tan, and I keep returning to the leather T-Lock Clutch. With its detachable strap, it can be worn as an oversized clutch or sleek cross-body (it also comes in a large size). —P.L.

Behind the brand: Part of the “Antwerp Six” group of avant garde Belgian designers, Dries van Noten’s namesake label was founded in 1986.

Known for: Rich prints and embroidery from the ready-to-wear that translates to the accessories collection.

What fashion insiders love about this bag: I'm a big fan of Dries van Noten and love how colorful and special this bag is. It can be worn as a hands-free cross-body bag, tucked under the shoulder or as an evening clutch—three options in one and with enough room for essentials. And I'm all for the patchwork brocade granny chicness of it all! —Yeana Ahn, cofounder of This is Co PR