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?

I like mulberry bags but they're not as revered in Dublin. You see them but you could have one and not be one of three women present here with the same bag. So i think im more objective about them! I like them but dont own one.

Spanish women are fond of loewe, irish women were loyal to orla kiely, although she doesnt have many leather bags.

Id like to know i could sell a bag if i hit skid row i guess but id want to enjoy it.

I already have a biro mark on the lining of my loewe. And i threw out the box! Oh well. Im never selling it i guess!

@PresentingPercy and @FreekStar

Some really unpleasant self important statements from you both.

How do you know that some of the readers on here who love their mulberry bags don’t know any other brands?

Op asked for recommendations , you don’t get to decide who’s opinions are worthy.

Because they haven’t recommended much else. Time after time this happens. It’s not unpleasant to suggest there are other brands. Grow up.

@SelkieBe
Didn’t Orla Kiely stop trading fairly recently?

I do believe women quite like local companies but if you are talking about iconic bags, then they should have world wide appeal and be known and sold across the world. I also find it odd that actually knowing brands is considered self important. I’d just call it being informed - like someone who is knowledgable about style should be.

I’d also like to add, unnecessarily aggressive to my criticisms of your posting style percy

I still love my Mulberry Bayswater had it for years. My current favourite is a Margaret Howell satchel.

Fair enough many posters like Mulberry there's nothing wrong with that. I could say the same for Chanel it's a bag many people have or want. Personally I would never buy a Chanel handbag but I would never be rude about them.

I own two classic bags - oak Mulberry Bayswater and black Mulberry Lily.
Maybe they aren't as cutting edge as some bags around these days but that's kind of why I chose them. Classic, understated.

Depends if you want a fashion statement 'of the minute' bag or a 'look at me' logo bag or something classic. We all have different tastes (thankfully). Your age may significantly dictate your choice too!

I'm in Ireland and agree that Mulberry isn't really a thing outside the UK. One wonders how they keep going, especially as they're so expensive.

Michael Kors is ubiquitous though. Its just got an accessible price point. At the higher end there's still a lot of LV around.

The Chanel reissue 2.55 with the little anonymous clasp is divine though, and I'd get one in a heartbeat if I won the lotto. Great resale value too.

I think the issue is that people really spot the brands they love themselves. Like when you buy a car, you suddenly see loads of them around.

With a lot of the brands mentioned on this thread, they are nice enough bags but essentially look very similar to me. Many of them look like well made, sturdy leather bags but could easily be bought from a Spanish market tbh, not anywhere near the price tag they’re on for

I'm really confused at why some posters are saying @PresentingPercy is being mean for saying Mulberry is not a good brand. It isn't!

I really think if you're so sensitive that someone's opinion of a brand upsets you - you have got some serious issues.

My husband slates some of the brands I wear and I don't give a shit and wear them anyway because I'm not insecure!

If you want it to hold its money Chanel is the best, vintage Chanel always makes its money back

[quote LizziesTwin]@Triffid1 I’ve had two Chloe bags, I’ve returned them both as faulty. On one the straps came apart (less than 2 months old) and on the Marcie the stitching started coming undone within 4 days. With the first bag the retailer sent it to Paris and it took them 9 weeks to agree it was faulty. I only got a credit note. Second bag I bought in Harrods and they were very good and gave me a refund without any problem.

So very disappointing.[/quote]
That's really disappointing to hear as I've always been attracted to them when I see them in department stores. Should I have a spare few thousand to spend, I'll have to rethink my strategy!

I bought a Chloe Faye bag a few years ago. Thought it would be my forever bag, but I just got bored of it. Plus the clasp was an absolute bugger to undo and I couldn't manage it with one hand, so trying to get my purse out with my hands full was really difficult. I sold it.

I've got two mulberry bags, my lily for nights out, it's just black with silver hardware, very under stated, and a tote for my laptop. I bought both in the sale.

eeek @PresentingPercy I think you're getting an unnecessarily hard time. I didn't find your posts rude. Who knew people would take such offence to a random stranger on the internet saying a particular bag is dated! There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a Mulberry but people are mistaken if they believe Mulberrys are fashionable or on trend.

It was me that made the skinny jeans, ballet flats comment and I stand by it, it was said in jest (hence the smiley face). People really need to lighten up, they're bloody handbags, fgs.

Also for full disclosure I have a Mulberry coin purse I use every day, it's completely battered, but I quite like it. It's very practical.

Forgot to add I own a few Marc Jacobs, my current work bag is Coach and my special bag is Stella McCartney.
Have got a Mulberry purse though, I don’t get the hate, some say boring, some say classic or timeless. Just buy what you like

To answer your question @Linguaphile I'd probably go for something like a Marni bag.

This one is beautiful:

www.matchesfashion.com/intl/products/Marni-Trunk-medium-saffiano-leather-bag-1280319

I’ve got a tooled Mulberry Bayswater and I love it. Recognisable but still unusual.

If I had the money I’d treat myself to Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.

I do love a bag and have quite a few, but I honestly cant imagine having one bag forever, unless it was in rotation with others, as surely you like a change now and again?
It doesnt need to be expensive designer for it to be good quality and last a lifetime. My bag (checks) is a classic brown leather satchel from Bolla that i got from an independent bag shop in town and its so soft and practical and I still use it a lot 15 years later, but i have various bags of other styles that I chop and change with, as a leather satchel doesnt always seem right in the middle of summer for example

I have a brown woven lambskin Bottega bag from 2004 and a little cream Prada bag (with pale blue leather interior) that I have kept and worn and worn. They are as gorgeous now as they were then (although the Bottega could do with a little rehab). From the same era, I also have 3 black Ferragamo bags - beautiful, practical for the office but I don't love them like the Prada & Bottega bags. I'm thinking of selling them. They're too classic and frankly, a little boring.

I think now an expensive handbag should add that final extra style element to your outfit - not to dominate, but also not to be so practical that it gets worn out. My Bottega has suffered because it was a perfect every day size, but that little Prada puts a happy smile on my face every time it comes out.

@ChinUpChestOut what Bottega bag have you got?

There are other lovely bags out there:
www.coccinelle.com/en/colour-variations/concrete-infilature-noir-E1HNE180101001.html
gb.maxmara.com/p-4511031106019-elsac-earth
www.furla.com/gb/en/eshop/furla-1927-soft-WB00340AX074810030592S.html
www.jilsander.com/en-gb/shoulder-bag/JSWS852566-WSB01047N-001-U.html
I must admit I hate obvious logos all over but these are more subtle.

Fendi baguette. Many different options to choose from and a classic design.

www.tods.com/gb-en/Tod's-Shirt-Hobo-Bag-Large/p/XBWAOUS0400UCAT002