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?

Picture!

I love Mulberry. I have a few. Love the designs and the quality.

I really like other brands too - Coach and the very much under rated Strathberry.

Id love a Loewe puzzle bag one day.

Oh wow, that is absolutely beautiful @PresentingPercy
Thanks for indulging my curiosity!

The one I saw on line there was too much going on in a small bag, a pattern, brown straps, a bamboo handle.

Yours is nothing like the one I saw on their site when I put in 'bamboo'. Yours. Is. Gorgeous.

When it comes to resale values, I would just like to know that if I hit the skids I could sell the bags. ie, that they do have value and not just to me. They don't have to appreciate in value to set me alight.

I don't want to own it knowing I'm going to sell it! That just wouldn't fill me with joy.

I have a small biro mark on the inside of my hammock already. I will take better care of the next bag I buy.

I have some lovely bags, the below are my favourites brands though

Givenchy
Ralph Lauren
Lulu Guiness
DKNY
Strathberry

@mycatchichi nice to see another strathberry fan. Which one do you have? I have the midi tote in Pearl grey. It was a birthday present from dh a few years ago.

@bendmeoverbackwards
I have the midi tote. It is actually quite beautiful.

I love the Givenchy Antigona. Quite keen to get one but then I bought a Loewe Gate bag so the Givenchy is on the back burner for now!

I have a cabas phantom which I love but it’s very much a day time bag.

The Burberry belt bag is big enough to throw everything into during the day but transitions ok if you’re going straight from work to dinner.

Can’t beat a Chanel classic flap through.

@PresentingPercy
I have the Givenchy Antigona in blue. It's very very nice !

Next purchase I think!

Have a look at the Loewe puzzle bag. I really really like it and it seems to be sticking around season to season. Could be a future classic.

I wouldn't spend a fortune on a bag in real life, I have a nasty habit of leaving them on trains. In an imaginary world I think the Leowe ( not sure of spelling) puzzle bag.

@PresentingPercy

I love the Givenchy Antigona. Quite keen to get one but then I bought a Loewe Gate bag so the Givenchy is on the back burner for now!

Oh wow,I love the Loewe Gate too, but I wouldnt want two Loewes, I'd prefer to branch out. Obviously I do want a Gate, what I want is to to not have to pay for it! 😅😁

@PresentingPercy

Next purchase I think!

Unboxing pictures for mumsnet!

I have a classic Chanel but feel uncomfortable taking it out TBH as it’s such an extravagant purchase and is very “look at me”. I’d never buy one again. I reckon a beautiful watch is a better investment. It’s amazing how an elegant watch can finish off an outfit.

I think there are bags that are very classy but not as obvious as a Chanel. It depends where you go too! Down the pub - not really suitable. To a swish restaurant - absolutely.

Several years ago I went to a “Geisha” Odori dance performance in Kyoto held in quite a basic theatre, but I’ve never seen so many Chanel outfits and Hermes bags in one setting in all my life! The fashion was jaw dropping in its opulence. I was underdressed! Chanel bag still at home!

You can find special occasions for a Chanel!

I’m about to buy a classic Chanel flap bag and intend to use it almost everyday

@Lookingoutside

Have a look at the Loewe puzzle bag. I really really like it and it seems to be sticking around season to season. Could be a future classic.

This is my dream bag. I had a look round the Loewe shop in Barcelona a few years ago. I have a big birthday coming up next January, although I’m already coveting a £££ bracelet 🤷‍♀️

@Miseryisabutterfly

If money was no object, a black Hermès. Preferably Birkin.

Birkin's in black tend to look like a work bag. Like a briefcase. I don't think it's a bag that looks good in black

Oh wow, id love a meander around a Loewe store in Spain.

@Selkie1961

Oh wow, id love a meander around a Loewe store in Spain.

They seemed a bit snobby *@Selkie1961* It was actually pouring with rain so we dived into the first shop we could see. Bet they loved us all dripping wet 😂

I had a bag made last year (not bespoke but close enough, I chose the basic design and tweaked a lot of the details, chose the leather, lining etc). It was under £400 and hand made in Italy. It is absolutely stunning and so well made. The only drawback is that everything is more expensive now after Brexit!

The brand is Massaccesi (don’t be put off by their basic website, you can email Marco, the owner, and he will discuss all of the options with you)

Not sure why the second pic is posting twice!

I love the look of the Loewe puzzle bag, but I can't be doing with bags which have two lengths of handles/straps. My chloe has the same and it really gets on my nerves, one of the reasons I sold it. I'd rather just have one strap that you could adjust the length on.

I'd love a classic Chanel, but I think I'd be too self conscious of it as they are quite distinctive. My friends is a really high earner, as is her dh, and he bought her a Chanel, not the classic but a larger, more colourful bag (not understated in the least) and tbh it looked fake. I think it's because you see so many on street corners being sold but the market traders.