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?

Oh that's a plus for me, two handle lengths. If im not going far i use the shorter length.

I am not running myself down here, it is what it is @bigbaggyeyes but I think it would be assumed any recognisable chanel bag over my shoulder was a fake! No man on the scene to buy me so much as a panini with chips, and my job is secure but not flash or impressive. Im probably better off than I seem because Ive cut my cloth over the years, but yeh, if any acquaintaces saw a chanel over my shoulder and recognised it, they'd think it was a fake!

No man on the scene to buy me so much as a panini with chips

This made me chuckle

I love this thread, about lunchtime I'll come in here and google all the lovely bags mentioned. I've just received a 2k tax credit and I'm having to tell myself to keep it for my impending house move, and not order another bag

Omg yeh great news on the tax credit 🤫🤐

I have a Mulberry Alexa which was a gift and I hate it. It's too heavy and the unstructured-ness of it makes me crazy. I never use it now.

I've got a lot of time for Coach bags. There's also a Belgian brand called Delvaux that is classic.

uk.delvaux.com/en?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5pPx2fnS8AIVwutRCh2FFQpfEAAYASAAEgLjevD_BwE

@beguilingeyes - those are lovely bags. Beautiful without being plastered with logos.

The Delvaux bags are beautiful. Expensive at £3,000+

www.npnbags.co.uk/naughtipidginsnestshop/prod_7576153-Chanel-Reissue-227-Maxi-255-Flap-in-Black-Aged-Calfskin-with-Ruthenium-Hardware.html
Biggest size reissue Preloved....

I like these bags from Savette.

www-vogue-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/savette/amp?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16216015656331&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vogue.co.uk%2Ffashion%2Farticle%2Fsavette

Ive just come from shop where i wandered around looking at bags. Couldnt get as close as I wanted to. The Loewe gate is beatiful @presentingpercy
I also looked at the bottega grab bag. I love it. I had a look at the gucci bags too with new appreciation! I saw the bamboo handles and the jackie and the horsebit.

I wish i could have sat down with a coffee afterwards. Digested what i saw.

A whole new world has opened up to you!

I second Delvaux. Instantly classic and beautifully made.

Has anyone mentioned Valextra? Sometimes called the Italian Hermes, using ‘pressed’ leather similar to the crossgrain leather used by Prada. The Valextra Iside is beautiful and the largest size would make a good work bag.

[quote beguilingeyes]I have a Mulberry Alexa which was a gift and I hate it. It's too heavy and the unstructured-ness of it makes me crazy. I never use it now.

I've got a lot of time for Coach bags. There's also a Belgian brand called Delvaux that is classic.

uk.delvaux.com/en?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5pPx2fnS8AIVwutRCh2FFQpfEAAYASAAEgLjevD_BwE[/quote]
Wow these are stunning @beguilingeyes 😍

It'd be a Mulberry Bayswater in tan for me.

Tbh Chanel handbags leave me absolutely cold. I think they are really ugly. Hermes Birken's are beautiful but I don't see the point in having something so ridiculously expensive you'd be terrified of taking it anywhere in case it got scratched. But I'd be equally happy with a hard wearing boxy Radley tbh. Something like this:

www.radley.co.uk/liverpool-street-medium-zip-top-shoulder-bag-aw19-67f40c/

@Milomonster

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.

Totally get this. I have a Chanel jumbo lamb skin silver hardware and it hardly comes out the box. I feel it squeals insecurity. My loewe puzzle gets much more wear these days way more understated

For me it would be a Chanel or Hermes.

They keep their value for a reason.

Mulberry are of their time and already a bit dated IMO. Plus because so many people have one they don't keep their value.

@BatleyTownswomensGuild I'm with you for most of what you're saying but I'm just not a fan of Radley bags. DM has a Radley hobo and I've got a very similar Coach so can compare, especially as they were bought at around the same time. DM loves hers (after a little wobble as she didn't realise they're not meant to stay as stiff as when you first get them) but I so much prefer the Coach leather and look and feel.

I think LV is tacky actually - a bit bling. And there are so many fakes around, how would anyone know if it was real?

Chanel is a bit obvious too.

I like Mulberry.

Coach do great bags but not in the same league - they are relatively inexpensive!

I love my MimiBerry which I've had for 4 years now and it still looks good and hasn't aged,

I bought a Radley backpack in TK Maxx as an impulse buy as I was going away for a few days (remember that?) and now I use it every day. Many pockets...which is crucial and it feels like it'll last forever.

Structured bags are very in at the moment. I don't get on with them. The Philip Lim and Mulberry were both sold.
Just using a little French mini messenger cross body at the moment but when I go back to work, I'll be dusting down my Balenciaga city bags. I have a few all in chevre, rouge vif, black and aubergine. Black is very worn now but then it's almost 20 and has taken some serious hacking

I purchased a few (very) considered bags with the intention that they would last me a lifetime.

1. Chanel 2.55 reissue in black calf leather (date night bag)
2. Launer Traviata (fancy day out bag)
3. Two Mulberry Bayswater’s one in black NVT (winter work bag) the other in Oak NVT (summer work bag)

4.Givenchy Antigona ( My every day mum bag)

1. Mulberry Lilly ( day out bag)
2. Mulberry Leighton as my everyday bag.

I prefer luxurious but understated bags that are classic and iconic. A bag I know I wouldn’t get bored of as fashions come and go but most importantly a bag that will last me forever and I can hopefully pass down.

Don't know why people are saying that no one buys Mulberry bags any more. Its Amberleys as far as the eye can see around my way!

I know it's quite dated now, but for looks and practicality, I still really love the Mulberry Mabel.