Which "heirloom" handbag would you choose?

[DollyParsons]

My grandmother wants to buy me an heirloom handbag for my upcoming "big" birthday [extremely bowled over by her generosity icon]. I am her only granddaughter and DD is her only great-granddaughter so she wants to buy something to be passed down the generations.

Which of these would you choose:

www.anyahindmarch.com/Top-Handle/Large-Soft-Ebury/Black-5050925839686.html?start=7&cgid=Top%20Handle

www.selfridges.com/en/saint-laurent-sac-de-jour-medium-grained-shoulder-bag_118-2000644-347543BPW0N/?previewAttribute=Fog+grey

www.selfridges.com/en/saint-laurent-sac-de-jour-medium-crocodile-effect-leather-tote_118-2000644-347543DAY0N/?previewAttribute=Black

Thanks!

Mmm, an Hermes bag would be amazing but completely out of budget (between £6k and £10k apparently ) and I would be terrified to use it!

My grandmother has suggested up to £2.5k and am now researching Chanel options. The executive tote looks great, but a potentially a bit squishy (does anyone have one?).

Any other suggestions?!

I agree that chanel or hermes have the most heirloom status about them. I personally wouldn't go for an anya as I don't think that will last to be passed on. Also it'll be worthless by then. Surely you want something to hold its value if it's being passed on?

If you're planning on using the bag as an everyday bag then I'm not sure that anything will last well will it? No idea about the quality of chanel/hermes though so happy to be told I'm wrong. If you're thinking of passing something on through generations then I do think jewellery may be better.

I'm not sure about buying anything really and thinking it can be passed on. Fashions change a lot even with jewellery.

I'd just go for a bag you love and will use a lot and then it is just a bonus if your DD gets to use it.

Chanel is going to be over £3k and Hermes even more and lets not even start on how hard it is to even buy a birkin or kelly.

Fleur de Force did a video review of her Executive Tote. Might be helpful to see it in action.

Re wear and tear, Hermes have a spa service where you can send your bag to be repaired to good as new. There are many other styles than Kelly and Birkin. Look on the Purse Forum website for ideas and advice, there are threads dedicated to all things Hermes.

I don't have anything by Hermes - this is all wishful thinking on my part! But will definitely retain value.

I agree with the PP who said get yourself a bag for work, and something really special from your Gran.

I have a Gucci Flora hand bag which DH bought me some years ago. It's a real classic, and a true heirloom bag, as my DC will be able to use it, as a vintage item.

A Judith Leiber bag, perhaps? (Not everyone's cup of tea, I'm sure)

Fashions change a lot even with jewellery.

?? There's much that's classic.

My wedding and engagement ring are Deco, and I'm currently wearing my grandmother's diamond ring. All the inherited items I have are classics.

But they're your grandmothers. I look at jewellery from the 70's and I wouldn't fancy a lot of that. Art Deco - sure but 1970's - not so much.

I just think most things date.

As someone else mentioned - Chanel bags are very fashionable at the moment but in the early 90's you'd have struggled to give one away to a youngish fasionable person.

Just go with a bag you'll like and enjoy for a while. Or buy a bench - to be fair they do date less

What about a Prada double handled tote handbag in saffron leather? About £1200 - £1500 depending on the style. A classic bag, extremely hard wearing - I have one in black and one in dove grey - and they are both immaculate after 4 years of constant use. So admired, and timeless, I think. Chose one in a colour that you will not tire of, and take care of it (don't over stuff...)and you will certainly be able to pass it on.

Saffiano leather !

They're not all my grandmother's. The jewellery I inherited goes back to the 18 century.

Fashionable jewellery can date, but classics don't.

The cuts are the same whatever the date... solitaire, marquise, cluster, emerald etc - an 1850 solitaire ring looks pretty much like a solitaire now.

Well you seem to be talking about antique jewellery and current jewellery - as I said before what about the 70's and 80's. The settings and even metals used wouldn't be very popular now. Of course who knows in 30 years perhaps they will be.

So my point would be to just buy a bag you like now. I look back at some of my 'designer' bags from 10 years ago and despite me thinking they were classic then - I wouldn't use them now.

I guess the thing with chanel and hermes though is that they retain their value and in some cases increase if they're rare items which your Saint Laurent/Gucci don't really.

Aren't we forgetting Mulberry classic styles? Or as a PP said, Aspinal. I would buy one of those for myself as a milestone birthday present...

I'm talking about all jewellery - antique, 70s, 80s, now.

A heavily stylised 70s piece, might not appeal to everyone now, but a classic cut won't even indicate the decade it was made from the style alone. Are you suggesting that classic cut 80s platinum & diamond jewellery wouldn't be popular now?

My mum was married in '68, she has a platinum marquise cut diamond engagement ring. It's a classic that would be difficult to date.

Bags only retain their value if they're in mint condition, and a bag used for work won't keep its condition.

Or you could do like Our Lizzie for her Jubilee and go to www.launer.com . Not even extortionate and grandmother would probably approve...

Yes to Aspinal or even Smythson if you want something executive-y for work...but if you want heirloom go for a Chanel 2.55.

I don't find mulberry bags wear well at all - they get very battered looking.

I've recently bought a chanel classic flap which I love but slightly more than your budget.

I'd personally go to Harrods or Selfridges and work my way round the handbag department and find the one I love the most.

I'd get jewellery.
A rose gold necklace or bracelet.
A diamond eternity ring.
Bags get nicked easier.
Though I'd love a Chanel ( or two)

The Chanel Executive Tote is pretty structured and around £2k. I am hankering for one myself.

The Hermes Evelyne is gorgeous and within budget - around £2k. Quite modern but has classic potential. Lots of colours too.

www.fashionphile.com/hermes-epsom-evelyne-iii-pm-rose-tyrien-50507

Out of those,I'd pick the grey Saint Laurent. I have it myself so may be biased :)
I'd also look at Chanel, they are worth the money and also hold their value &a quality really well.
I have 2 Birkin bags,both of which I waited over a year for lol

I would look for a bag which is already vintage. I have quite a few. I do not know where you live but there is a vintage shop near Harrods in London.