The 24/7 Tote
Make a tote the foundation of your collection: a medium-sized bag that’s roomy enough to carry your day’s essentials, and smart enough to take you from desk to dinner and beyond. This will be the hardest working bag in your closet, so it’s a style you should think about carefully before investing. You can’t go wrong with an Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag.
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A pop-bright yellow Hermès Kelly spotted in Paris. Image: Imaxtree
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Hermès Kelly Mini Chèvre Mysore Magnolia
$ 21.250,—
€
21.250,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Himalaya 28 Niloticus Crocodile White
$ 86.500,—
€
86.500,—
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Hermès Kelly 25 Togo Black
$ 23.535,—
€
23.535,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Danse Salvator Lizard Vert Menthe
$ 28.900,—
€
28.900,—
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Hermès Kelly Pochette Ostrich Nata Boreal
$ 27.250,—
€
27.250,—
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Hermès Kelly Belt Bag Epsom Craie
$ 1.890,—
€
1.890,—
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Hermès Kelly Belt Bag Epsom Black
$ 1.680,—
€
1.680,—
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Hermès Kelly Mini Epsom Vert Jade / Bleu Paradis / Bleu Saphir
$ 16.485,—
€
16.485,—
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Hermès Kelly Mini Matte Alligator Jaune Bourgeon
$ 44.875,—
€
44.875,—
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Chanel Kelly Micro Aged Calf Black
$ 4.095,—
€
4.095,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly HSS 28 Swift Rose Extrême / Rose Sakura
$ 19.500,—
€
19.500,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm Tadelakt / Chevre Mysore Sable Naturel / Nata / Brique / Orange H
$ 5.135,—
€
5.135,—
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Hermès Kelly Mini Chèvre Mysore Gold / Orange
$ 18.060,—
€
18.060,—
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Hermès Kelly Mini Epsom Bleu Jean
$ 25.250,—
€
25.250,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly 35 Epsom Toffee / White
$ 7.455,—
€
7.455,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly HSS 25 Matte Alligator Gris Perle / Rose Mexico
$ 62.475,—
€
62.475,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly 28 Ostrich Gold / Rouge Vif
$ 26.800,—
€
26.800,—
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Hermès Kelly To Go Epsom Jaune de Naples
$ 6.290,—
€
6.290,—
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Hermès Kelly 28 Clémence Crevette
$ 13.157,—
€
13.157,—
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Hermès Kelly 28 Taurillon Clémence Gris Neve
$ 18.480,—
€
18.480,—
If you prefer a slightly more informal look, opt for a Birkin: it’s less structured and therefore more spacious, with a top that can be carried open and unclasped (all the better for fitting everything in). In contrast, the Kelly has a sharp, ladylike silhouette (particularly if you choose a Kelly Sellier over a Retourne), with a clasp that needs to be fastened. It also has the advantage of an optional shoulder strap as well as its top handle. A classic neutral colour such as Noir, Gold or Etoupe in a hardwearing leather like Togo or Epsom will ensure your tote stays timeless for years to come.
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Hermès Birkin 25 Swift Rose Azalée
$ 22.328,—
€
22.328,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Shadow Cut Clutch Swift New White
$ 15.540,—
€
15.540,—
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Hermès Birkin 25 Togo Black
$ 19.600,—
€
19.600,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Sunset Rainbow 35 Epsom Abricot / Bleu Agate / Magnolia / Rouge Casaque
$ 26.880,—
€
26.880,—
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Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Mushroom
$ 20.600,—
€
20.600,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Shadow Cut Clutch Swift Gold
$ 11.865,—
€
11.865,—
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Hermès Birkin HSS 30 Togo Prune / Black
$ 18.000,—
€
18.000,—
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Hermès Birkin 30 Clémence Sauge
$ 15.645,—
€
15.645,—
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Hermès Birkin 35 Epsom Gris Asphalte
$ 15.753,—
€
15.753,—
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Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Gris Pâle
$ 19.800,—
€
19.800,—
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Hermès Birkin 30 Ostrich Bougainvillier
$ 18.420,—
€
18.420,—
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Hermès Birkin 25 Togo Black
$ 24.500,—
€
24.500,—
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Hermès Birkin 30 Epsom Rouge Vif
$ 13.486,—
€
13.486,—
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Hermès Birkin 35 Clémence Sanguine
$ 11.280,—
€
11.280,—
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Vintage
Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Gold
$ 11.907,—
€
11.907,—
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Hermès Birkin HSS 25 Swift Black / Bleu de France
$ 22.900,—
€
22.900,—
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Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Gold
$ 16.800,—
€
16.800,—
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Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Gold
$ 15.960,—
€
15.960,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin 30 Salvator Lizard Black
$ 36.000,—
€
36.000,—
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Hermès Birkin Grizzly 35 Doblis Suede / Swift Bleu Thalassa
$ 9.975,—
€
9.975,—
The About-Town Bag
Second on your wishlist should be a shoulder or crossbody bag: a compact style that you can wear hands-free when you’re running about town. It should be big enough to carry your phone, purse, keys and some makeup. Here’s where the house of Chanel really comes into its own. A Classic Flap or 2.55 Reissue are your shortcut to weekend chic, crafted in the brand’s iconic quilted leather with a chain strap. If you prefer an edgier vibe, the Boy Bag could be the about-town style for you: its chunky strap and CC clasp exude contemporary cool.
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Chanel’s Timeless Classic. Image: Imaxtree
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Collector’s Item
Chanel Timeless Heart Small Lamb Black
$ 5.907,—
€
5.907,—
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Vintage
Chanel Timeless Handle Mini Satin Black
$ 3.501,—
€
3.501,—
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Chanel Timeless Mini Rectangular Lamb Black
$ 5.907,—
€
5.907,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Caviar Beige
$ 5.762,—
€
5.762,—
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Chanel Timeless Medium Fabric / Denim Multicolour
$ 6.601,—
€
6.601,—
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Chanel Timeless Mini Rectangular Lamb Burgundy
$ 4.951,—
€
4.951,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Caviar Amber
$ 5.985,—
€
5.985,—
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Chanel Timeless Belt Bag Lamb Black
$ 2.801,—
€
2.801,—
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Chanel Timeless Medium Lamb Iridescent Violet
$ 5.865,—
€
5.865,—
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Chanel Timeless Medium Lamb Beige
$ 5.071,—
€
5.071,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Lamb Black
$ 4.340,—
€
4.340,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Caviar Red
$ 5.460,—
€
5.460,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Lamb Violet
$ 5.230,—
€
5.230,—
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Chanel Timeless Medium Lamb / Tweed Black / White
$ 5.723,—
€
5.723,—
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Chanel Timeless Mini Rectangular Cotton Light Yellow
$ 3.450,—
€
3.450,—
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Vintage
Chanel Timeless Flap Bag Maxi Lamb Black
$ 4.200,—
€
4.200,—
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Chanel Timeless Jumbo Lamb Black
$ 6.930,—
€
6.930,—
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Chanel Timeless Handle Small Caviar Coral
$ 4.200,—
€
4.200,—
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Vintage
Chanel Timeless Small Lamb Black
$ 4.555,—
€
4.555,—
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Chanel Timeless Mini Square Caviar Pink
$ 4.725,—
€
4.725,—
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A grey Flap Bag on the SS20 Runway. Image: Imaxtree
For clean lines, the Hermès Constance wins out. It has a sleek and simple ‘60s silhouette that was adored by the likes of Jackie O. The Dior Saddle Bag also fits the bill: first introduced in 2000 by John Galliano, this curvaceous shoulder bag was officially relaunched in 2018 to the delight of fashionistas worldwide. Handily, the newer Saddle Bag styles are roomier than the original design, to accommodate today’s larger smartphones. And finally, if your eye is drawn to It Bags, look no further than the Bottega Veneta Cassette, which makes use of designer-of-the-moment Daniel Lee’s new Maxi weave – especially prized in its padded form. Refreshingly for such a cult hit, the Cassette is logo-free, adhering to Bottega’s ethos of ‘when your own initials are enough.
The Evening Mini
An uber-glamorous mini evening bag is the dash of frivolity every accessories collection needs. Glittering, embellished, playful or delightfully dainty, this is the bag that you could pair with a little black dress and a dab of perfume and feel instantly ready for a night out. High on our hit list is a Chanel Lego clutch – crafted from Plexiglass, it comes in a range of eye-popping shades and fun varieties.
If you’re after something more classic, the Hermès Kelly Clutch is an elegant, elongated twist on this iconic bag, while Bottega Veneta’s Knot Clutch celebrates the brand’s Intrecciato weave in a compact lozenge case, crowned with a knotted clasp. Micro interpretations of classic handbags also make for wonderful after-dark companions: look out for a Mini Dior Lady or Hermès Kelly Mini.
The Weekend Shopper
We’ve all had those moments when you realise you’re carrying multiple bags to fit all your possessions. A shopper will help you avoid that bag-lady look: a large open-topped tote that you can throw some spare shoes, your gym kit and a book into, as well as your usual essentials. Fittingly named, the Dior Book Tote is a perfect example of this practical carryall: released in 2018 to instant acclaim, its simple square shape has been interpreted in multiple fabrics and alluring patterns – durable and stylish.
We also love the Hermès Double Sens 45: a sleek leather tote with a contrasting lining, it has the added advantage of being reversible: two bags for the price of one! Unsurprisingly, Bottega Veneta has also perfected off-duty chic with the Cabat bag, a lightweight and seamless shopper crafted entirely in their luxurious Intrecciato leather weave.
The Trophy Piece
No bag collection would be complete without a little extravagance. Beyond the bags that you use every week, make room for a style that’s truly special: your trophy piece, the crowning glory of your closet. Already found your 24/7 tote in a classic colour? Why not branch out for a Birkin in a limited-edition shade such as 5P Pink, or a Kelly in exotic crocodile or ostrich leather? Go avant-garde with a seasonal runway bag by Chanel (we’ve always had our eye on the Lait de Coco milk carton), or an artistic collaboration such as Hermès’ graphic Nigel Peake prints. Alternatively, you could set your sights on a unique vintage piece: how about hunting down an original ‘90s Chanel backpack, or a Kelly bag in Rouge H Box Calf leather? Get started by reading our guides to the most lusted-after Hermès and Chanel styles, and get dreaming (and saving)…
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Toupet Farming Picnic Osier / Swift Jaune de Naples / Beige
$ 7.000,—
€
7.000,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Garden Party Picnic 36 Osier / Barénia Fauve / Beige
$ 11.000,—
€
11.000,—
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Collector’s Item
Dior Lady Bijou Mini Satin Black
$ 3.492,—
€
3.492,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Toupet Alligator Mississippi Black
$ 15.990,—
€
15.990,—
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Collector’s Item
Chanel Timeless Heart Small Lamb Black
$ 5.907,—
€
5.907,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Himalaya 28 Niloticus Crocodile White
$ 86.500,—
€
86.500,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Shadow Cut Clutch Swift New White
$ 15.540,—
€
15.540,—
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Collector’s Item
Dior Lady Mini Denim Blue
$ 2.973,—
€
2.973,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Danse Salvator Lizard Vert Menthe
$ 28.900,—
€
28.900,—
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Collector’s Item
Chanel Backpack Wool / Lamb Blue / Black
$ 3.150,—
€
3.150,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Sunset Rainbow 35 Epsom Abricot / Bleu Agate / Magnolia / Rouge Casaque
$ 26.880,—
€
26.880,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly HSS 28 Swift Rose Extrême / Rose Sakura
$ 19.500,—
€
19.500,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Constance Marble 24 Silk / Swift Multicolour / Rose Mexico
$ 13.650,—
€
13.650,—
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Collector’s Item
Chanel Boy Old Medium Calf / Pearls Black
$ 5.775,—
€
5.775,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Birkin Shadow Cut Clutch Swift Gold
$ 11.865,—
€
11.865,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm Tadelakt / Chevre Mysore Sable Naturel / Nata / Brique / Orange H
$ 5.135,—
€
5.135,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm Tadelakt Blue Izmir / Jaune Bourgeon / Blue Brume / Vert Bosphore
$ 3.800,—
€
3.800,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly 35 Epsom Toffee / White
$ 7.455,—
€
7.455,—
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Collector’s Item
Hermès Kelly HSS 25 Matte Alligator Gris Perle / Rose Mexico
$ 62.475,—
€
62.475,—
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Collector’s Item
Chanel Boy New Medium Lamb / Embroidery Orange / Multicolour
$ 5.775,—
€
5.775,—
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A limited-edition PVC Chanel Flap Bag. Image: Imaxtree
Inspired to begin your bag collection? Let us know what’s on your wishlist, and we’ll help you find your forever pieces.