The Classic Handbags

Hermès Birkin

The History:  When Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on an flight, she complained about her hunt for the perfect bag.  Dumas listened, and Jane received the Birkin bag with a note.  Today, the Birkin has a waiting list that goes for up to four years.

 Louis Vuitton Speedy

The History:  The Speedy was the first handbag that Louis Vuitton debuted in 1930, as a change from their luggage line.  It was originally in a 30cm size (The Speedy 30, as seen above).  A 25cm size was produced for Audrey Hepburn.  Today it also comes in 35cm and 40cm.

Givenchy Antigona

The History:  The Antigona is a bag of the 21st century!  Created in 2010 by Ricardo Tisci to represent a strong female character.

Mulberry Bayswater

The History:  Designed by Nicholas Knightly of Mulberry, the Bayswater is the most recognized style from Mulberry in the world, and has quickly become a classic.

Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag

The History:  Created February, 1955 (hence the name 2.55), Coco Chanel added chain straps to her quilted bag when she became fed up with hand purses and wanted something elegant to carry on her shoulder.

Hermès Kelly

The History:  Made popular by Grace Kelly when she stepped out with her Kelly bag, attempting to cover up her baby bump.  Since then, the Kelly bag has become an iconic and classic handbag.

Coach Willis

The History:  The first bag to use a dowel as a design motif, this is one of the bestselling Coach bags in history.  Classic, streamlined, and not flashy with logos or brand stamps, the Willis is a recognizable but understated handbag.

Tory Burch Robinson

The History:  Named for Tory Burch's parents, Buddy and Reva Robinson.  The Robinson collection is a line of classic, understated chic pieces.  Perhaps the most popular handbag by Tory Burch is the Robinson Square tote, which adds polish to everyday looks.

Cambridge Satchel

The History:  Founded in 2008 by a mother, inspired by classic Oxford/Cambridge school bags for students.  The Cambridge Satchel has quickly become a classic, and a blogger favorite!

Chloe Paddington

The History:  Sold out in days when first released, the Chloe Paddington was and still is a favorite in the fashion world.  Even with the large lock and many varieties released over time, the Paddington is a classic that is here to stay.

Prada Saffiano

The History:  With clean lines, a structured and ladylike shape, and a variety of colors and materials that range from fun to classic, the Prada Saffiano Lux tote is made from beautiful saffiano leather invented by Mario Prada.

Celine Luggage

The History:  Phoebe Philo (who also created the Paddington for Chloe) developed this cult classic with structural silhouettes.  It's quickly become one of the most coveted designer bags!

Longchamp Le Pliage

The History:  Created in 1995, the Le Pliage is a beautiful and practical handbag that cleans easily, folds up in a cinch, and has a classic look.  Read more about it here and here!