Fashion // The Top 9 Most Iconic Bags of All Time

Why does a girl love her bag so much? Maybe it’s the way it looks when trying it out in the store for the first time, or maybe it’s the confidence you feel when you’re walking down the street with a stylish bag. No matter the reason, purses have been a staple in every woman’s closet for hundreds of decades. In the olden days, purses were merely a pouch people used to hold their belongings. It was plain and simple, but it got the job done. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. The purse has evolved into something much more: the ultimate fashion accessory. From Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Hermes Birkin,  iconic fashion houses gave forth iconic bags like the Chanel 2.55 and the LV Speedy. Quality and luxury are in the name of the game.

Bags are forms of utility as well as fashion. From tinseltown to New York and other countries, if you are seen wearing one of these iconic bags, you will look just a little more fabulous.

Lady Dior by Dior 

After Princess Diana starting sporting Lady Dior it has been one of the most famous bags to date. It’s never going to go out of style. Women just absolutely love its elegance.

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Longchamp totes are known for their utility and class. They are great for college students who want to stay fashionable however carry a lot of books around. Longchamp customizes the bags for you as well. You begin by choosing the model of which Le Pliage Tote you would like to own and go through a process of picking the size, color, etc.

Halston’s Foxy Envelope Clutch

Clutches are perfect for an evening out. Sometimes a gal just wants to carry enough money, lipstick and her phone; the Halston envelope clutch is perfect for just that. Its chic and sleek skinny design is minimal but still glam. The foldover flap fastening, contrasting stitching and suede are beautiful details as well.

Kelly by Hermes

The Kelly bag was first designed in 1935, when Hermes was focusing in on production of horse-riding accessories. The bag transformed from a bag that was intended to hold a saddle, boots, etc. to an elegant fashion accessory. Even Grace Kelly was photographed with the famous Hermes Kelly bag. Now fashion icons such as Victoria Beckham are seen with it.

Alexander McQueen’s Knuckle Brass Clutches

From the arms of Christina Aguilera to Kim Kardashian and Emma Stone, these beauties are seen everywhere! You can wear a simple pair of black heels with a LBD and pair it with an McQueen Knuckle Brass Clutch and look amazing! With so many variations of prints and colors, it adds just the right amount of fabulosity and glam to any look.

Fendi Baguette Bag

The Fendi Baguette Bag could be considered the first it bag. What made this item so popular is that fact that it’s entirely customizable to suit your preference, and is more affordable than most other designer bags. Designed to be carried under the arm like a french baguette, the bag makes up for its lack of size by its attention to detail and time-honored simplicity.

Gucci Jackie O. Bag 

First created in the 1950s, this classic was made famous by Jackie Kennedy, first lady to President John F. Kennedy, for whom it was named. A fashionable woman of her decade, Jackie was photographed several time wearing the handbag to a publishing firm Doubleday. Almost overnight, it instantly became a hit. Made of smooth leather and cowhide, its unique shape makes the bag instantly recognizable.

Chanel 2.55 Bag

A timeless classic, the Chanel 2.55 circa February 1955 is almost as iconic as the woman herself. Coco Chanel intended the bag to be elegant but functional as well. The bag has several pockets in the interior to hold all your belongings, and the quilted pattern on the outside is satiny soft. A secret compartment on the flap of the bag is where Coco Chanel was rumored to have stored secret love letters. Oh la la!

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

The cylinder shaped bag has room for everything and then some. Emboss with its classic LV, leather lining exterior and brass hardware, it makes traveling all the more refined. Because it’s made of a coated canvas material, it holds up well in extreme conditions. And don’t even think about buying a fake!

Whether you’re going to class or a fancy gala, carrying one of these iconic bags makes a statement. They are seen on royalty, celebrities and fashionistas all around the world. If you’re one of the lucky ones who owns a designer bag, let us know which one! Or if you had the money, which one would you buy?

CocoKouture fashion writer Lisa Quach contributed to this story.