Known for: The Lady Dior bag and the Saddle bag, both launched in the 1990s, are two renowned handbag shapes that still remain iconic symbols of the Dior legacy and continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide
“I love the Book Tote because it works for almost any occasion—running errands around town, transporting your laptop for the office commute, or as a super-chic travel bag,” says fashion stylist and consultant MaryKate Boylan. The sturdy, canvas tote was introduced into the brand’s offerings in 2018 and has remained a constant, reinterpreted seasonally in a bevy of embroideries, patterns, and sizes. It’s a go-to for many who want a hardworking handbag, with that slight designer flair.
Best Woven: Ulla Johnson Charlotte Woven Leather Shoulder Bag
Behind the brand: Ulla Johnson launched her eponymous brand in New York City in 1998. The line of ready-to-wear and accessories focuses on artisanal production and craft, all inspired by the designer’s love for travel.
Known for: The handbag category has quickly become customer favourites since its introduction in 2013. Styles like the Alma, an everyday tote in leather, and raffia bags, such as the Gio, offer practicality, with a stylish twist.
“I first fell in love with Ulla Johnson handbags when I got my hands on this cylindrical, open-top tote a couple seasons ago, and I get so many compliments on it — it’s definitely the most stylish bag I used to tote my laptop around in,” says Glamour US contributor and Ça Marche founder Laura Lajiness Kaupke. “After seeing these saddle brown, woven styles on the runway, I knew I had to add to my collection this year. It’s just detailed enough to make it feel special, but still perfectly practical for everyday use.”
How we tested the best designer bags
The Glamour fashion team is no stranger to the designer bag market, being keen investors themselves. Looking at classic wishlist bags, plus new-in/new season and lust-worthy styles, we’ve compiled an edit of 34 styles that we genuinely believe are worth the investment – whether it’s 2026 or 2066. Looking at everything from composition to craftsmanship, practicality and style credentials, consider this all you need to know before you treat yourself.
You can read more about how we test things here.
Why you can trust us
It’s all well and good us telling you where to invest your hard-earned money, but we’ve gone the extra mile by showing you why this list of designer bags is the best. From literally testing them ourselves, to calling in the experts who know all about data, resale values and demand, we’ve gone as in-depth as possible to save you from a truck load of research and letting you skip right to the fun part: the buying.