Your shopping conundrum, answered
For any luxury fashion fanatic, purchasing your first designer bag is a joy unlike any other. A well-established rite of passage, deciding which luxury pick to set your sights on acquiring (and the accompanying thrill) is a topic that’s most definitely worthy of discussion here. I’ve set myself the budget of around the €2,000 mark or under because I’m a firm believer that your first luxury bag purchase should give you a taste of investing in pieces you’ll treasure for a long time. But it shouldn’t bankrupt you! So here’s my guide for choosing your first designer bag. Happy shopping (and let me know which one you decide on)!
Louis Vuitton Neverfull
The legendary Louis Vuitton Neverfull was my first ever designer bag so this iconic style has definitely earned a spot at the top of this list. A firm house favourite since its release in 2009, the spacious tote is the ultimate everyday carry-all so it’s perfect if you want to invest your money in a bag that you’ll use all the time. The LV Neverfull has been reimagined countless times throughout the years so there are plenty of options to choose from, including the Neverfull Inside Out. But I personally think that you can’t go wrong with the original. An investment-worthy house classic for sure.
Saint Laurent Voltaire Mini
After its release in 2024, it didn’t take long for Saint Laurent’s Voltaire Mini shoulder bag to become a hit. The subtly curved rectangular shape and long shoulder strap provide all the practicality you need from your first designer bag. With a handy flap opening and signature YSL logo clasp, it has every bit the classic Saint Laurent look. Plus, the price tag is pretty affordable for a fully leather design. The PERFECT compact accessory for everything from running errands to nights out.
Miu Miu Arcadie Mini
A bona fide ‘It’ bag, Miu Miu’s fan-favourite Arcadie design is one of the most used bags in my collection. Since its debut for Autumn/Winter 2023, this rectangular boxy top-handle design has been a bag to watch, and its continued popularity is proof of its staying power, making it a great contender for your first designer bag. The mini version is more spacious than most mini bags thanks to its boxy shape, plus the long crossbody strap makes it super practical, too. I love it in the Matelassé option, a 3D textured effect on the leather that’s become emblematic of the Italian label.
DeMellier Hudson
A pioneer in the mid-range handbag market, DeMellier’s penchant for creating quality practical additions to our bag collections is the gift that keeps on giving. And the Hudson tote is my pick for a spacious design that can become your new go-to. It’s not just the mid-range price point that makes this a good pick for your first designer bag. The boxy shape that cinches in at the sides looks super chic and the strap across the top accompanied by a sleek buckle detail at the centre draws comparisons to the iconic Birkin bag design. Plus, it comes with a long crossbody strap – a rarity for a bag of this size.
Bottega Veneta Concert Pouch
An underrated luxury gem, Bottega Veneta’s Concert Pouch is small but mighty. It’s got a boxy base with a curved top and is complete with Bottega Veneta’s signature knot details. The ideal casual accessory for just about anything you need, it makes a great investment as your first designer bag.
Prada Arqué
The Prada Arqué, with its playful croissant shape, is one of the heritage label’s newer favourites and it makes a strong case for the compact bag movement. After being dubbed the ‘It’ bag of Autumn/Winter 2023, it could have easily become a fleeting style. But thanks to the Arqué’s bold shape and added versatility that allows it to be worn as a top handle, shoulder or crossbody bag, it’s stuck around (to the delight of many).
Prada Mini Shoulder Bags
Prada shoulder bags are undoubtedly one of the Italian label’s signatures, right up there with nylon and utility dressing. From the widely popular Prada Re-Edition 2005 to more under-the-radar picks that offer a sleek and compact shoulder bag option, there’s a style out there for every kind of first designer bag checklist. Prada’s classic Saffiano leather is a great material pick – it’s a super lightweight type of leather that’s scratch resistant. But I also love the famous nylon options and they’re more affordable than many of their leather counterparts.
