If you were going to get one designer handbag to last for life, which one would it be?

[Linguaphile]

Just that, really! I’m looking for a classic bag and would like something I could keep in the rotation and still look chic using in 15-20 years. Obviously the Chanel 2.55 and the classic Birkin come to mind (though the latter is definitely out of my budget), but what others are there to consider? Bonus points for versatility. Mulberry Bayswater perhaps?

Not a fan of the ubiquitous never full which put me off LV to begin with but they have so many other bags! I like the black v tote

Agree, plus LV somehow looks fake so often with all the OTT branding

Oh I made a mess of that link

@PresentingPercy wow, i can't imagine a group of students using Celine bags for their books! {eyes popping out of head}

LV neverfull. Mine is quite old and I throw my laptop in it when travelling, adore it

Oops sorry just realised you don’t like that one. Then I would go for a celine. I don’t like traditional
Chanel bags

@LizziesTwin

I’ve got a YSL satchel (can’t remember what it’s called) that is a bit small for everyday but it works well as it stops me carrying round a lot of junk. It has a dark metal chain strap which I think is more versatile than gold.

oooh is it called the Nikki, I spotted a lovely Saint Laurent bag like that.

love this so much

I agree, mulberry is so dated! Some people are stuck in the 2000s. They're probably teaming their Bayswater with skinny jeans, striped Breton tops and ballet flats

@SwimmingOnEggshells agreed. Wouldn't catch me dead in a mulberry - so 2000

I also don't like the LV branding but I got the checked never full LV and it's just gorgeous

This one

[quote lulugee]@SwimmingOnEggshells agreed. Wouldn't catch me dead in a mulberry - so 2000[/quote]
Gosh, the Mumsnet handbag threads are a right bitchfest aren't they?

Mulberries are frumpy and dated, IME. I just don't get the love for them on here.

Literally wore skinny jeans, ballet flats a Breton top and Mulberry (Amberley) bag today.

I'm not sure if I feel shamed, I suspect I actually don't care.much, as I plan to wear similar tomorrow. Might even trouble a messy bun and some Chelsea boots.

Some of the bitching and superior attitudes on here are quite unpleasant, if people like Mulberry it is no skin off your nose and I'd judge somebody less for having a "classic" bag than for having a nasty, snobbish attitude
I like the Mulberry Alexa and the Coach Edie. Was going to buy a Chanel 2.55 but a friend bought one which developed a fault and found the customer care not particularly good which has put me off for long enough to realise I would hardly ever use it.
I must admit I have moved away from buying the big name bags now and are buying things that are more quirky yet practical and just because I like them

Honestly I didn't mean to offend anyone - just being honest! Mulberry is outdated i don't know what is snobby about that? Just like I wouldn't wear ugg boots why on Earth are people so sensitive?

If you like mulberry good for you, it shouldn't matter what I think should it!?

That LV is gorgeous @Arrierttyclock. I don't like the full on LV branding either and never thought I would buy one of their bags but I would be tempted by that.

Agree that there is a lot of unnecessary bitching and snobbery over bags. I've never been able to persuade myself to part with the cash for "last a lifetime" bag. I could afford to, it just feels like too much to spend on a handbag. The closest I have to a designer bag is a coach clarkson hobo in oxblood. I absolutely love it and know I will use it for many more years, I think it was £175.

Had a look at botega venetta bags after reading this thread and they don't look that special to me. If mulberry or Chanel is what you want OP then go for it. Who cares what anyone else thinks?!

I’d go for a Chanel WOC. A friend has had one for 10 years and she uses it daily. It’s still in great condition and I can’t see it ever going out of style!

@lulugee

I think it’s me that’s upset everyone. However on every single handbag thread, up pops very British Mulberry! In half the posts. There are so many brands admired the world over but Mulberry isn’t really coveted anywhere else. So what’s the point of just repeating the same old brands?

For the sake of honesty: I have a positively antique Mulberry shoulder bag in their glazed canvas and a navy blue suede studded oversize Alexa. It sags with anything in it. I would be delighted to sell it. Any takers?

Other brands are: Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Smythson, Loewe, Victoria Beckham, YSL etc.

Givenchy Antigona is a classic, Gucci bamboo and Jackie too. I also suggest having a good look at web sites like Matches Fashion and then lots more possibilities open up. There could even be a replacement for those old Mulberries, battered Speedies and Neverfuls.

@PresentingPercy I think it's more prominent here because it's a British brand perhaps

Why would you buy a bag just because it is coveted in a country you don't even live in?

Surely you buy a bag because the style appeals to you, because it's practical, because it matches your outfit, because it's great quality and will last etc. Why do you care so much what other people think of your bag?

The whole point is: I don’t care. I have a variety of bags. Reading these threads, half the posters would only recognise a Mulberry. They don’t want a Loewe or a Givenchy because all their friends have Mulberry bags. So they buy because it impresses their friends. Only my DDs know about fashion so I’m not impressing friends or anyone else. I can then choose freely. I read, take advice, look around and I do like “in the moment” brands.

Some bags are world wide icons though. There is no escaping that. You see top end bags in Japan, Australia, USA and Europe as well as the uk.

The Dior Lady bag was the one Diana liked. Quilted grab bag.

@Linguaphile

Dior

Mine would be Loewe orBottega Veneta

Reiss currently have a black leather croc satchel for £285. I can justify that amount.
www.johnlewis.com/reiss-lexi-leather-croc-embossed-satchel-black/p5479585

Lol, so, not Mulberry then. That’s fine.

To be honest, I lean most heavily toward the Chanel 2.55 (the one that can go cross-body and has the rectangle clasp instead of the big Cs). Admired it a few months back at a Chanel boutique as it seems the sort of bag that could go day or evening, depending on how you wear it. I would also prefer to have something that is an investment, or at least won’t depreciate much, so Chanel ticks that box.

I’ve been carrying a black Kate Spade Maryanne for about 10 years, and I absolutely love it as it goes with pretty much anything and is handy with the shoulder straps, but is it looking a lot worse for wear these days.

I suppose I was looking for other ideas in a similar ‘investment bag’ vein. Dior Lady bag is a good shout.

I have a Celine belt bag that I love but I am considering buying a classic Chanel flap