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Designed for a more considered wardrobe, these investment pieces bring quiet confidence, lasting appeal, and instant elevation. Explore our selection of heritage and modern houses celebrated for their quality and design.
The Birkin is the most sought-after bag in the world. It was created in 1984 after British actress Jane Birkin met then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London and spilled the contents of her bag. After expressing her frustrations with her current bag and even sketching her ideal bag to Dumas, as “a handbag that is bigger than the Kelly but smaller than Serge [Gainsbourg]’s suitcase”, so the story goes, Dumas decided to use the basic structure of the pre-existing Haut à Courroies to recreate a new bag. And thus a star was born.
Over the years, the Birkin has become a top status symbol. Each bag is said to be handmade by a single artisan over about 40 hours. Due to its massive popularity, Hermes implemented the infamous waitlists, making it notoriously rare and difficult to acquire.
The Kelly was first launched in the 1930s as the Sac à dépêches. It nods to the brand’s equestrian roots, but it is more formal than its cousin, the Birkin. Its trapezoidal shape, firm top handle, and signature padlock showcase Hermès’ craftsmanship. It became famous in 1956 when Grace, Princess of Monaco (formerly Grace Kelly), used it to hide her pregnancy from photographers. That single moment was captured in photographs that appeared in magazines worldwide, turning the bag into a pop culture phenomenon overnight. Since then, the Kelly has continued to appear in films, fashion shoots, and on the arms of celebrities, further cementing its status as an icon.
The Chanel 2.55 is one of those bags that was created for practicality. Coco Chanel introduced it in February 1955, which is where the name comes from. Its chain strap allowed women to keep their hands free–a big change at the time. The bag features diamond stitching for structure and combines softness with thoughtful design. Like most other vintage icons, the 2.55 was made for everyday use.
The Classic Flap is a new version of the 2.55 with more obvious branding. Karl Lagerfeld redesigned it in 1983, adding the interlocking CC clasp and a leather-threaded chain, making it a worldwide symbol. Collectors especially love the quilted lambskin and caviar leather versions.
The Lady Dior became famous after it was given to Princess Diana in 1995. Designed by Gianfranco Ferré in 1994, it features cannage stitching inspired by Napoleon III chairs and has D.I.O.R charms hanging from it. The bag is made from over 140 separate pieces and is a masterclass in attention to detail.
The Speedy first appeared in the 1930s as a smaller version of the Keepall, showing Louis Vuitton’s history in travel. Made from coated canvas with the brand’s monogram or Damier patterns, it is light, strong, and looks simple. Audrey Hepburn once asked for a smaller size, which led to the Speedy 25. Unlike its contemporaries, the Speedy was made for traveling.
The Jackie bag was first called the Constance, but it became known as the Jackie after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who often carried it in the 1970s. Its curved, hobo shape and piston clasp show Gucci’s style from the mid-1900s. The bag often comes in leather, suede, or GG canvas, among other materials, and is both soft and structured, fitting neatly under the arm.
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