To get the inside scoop, we surveyed handbag lovers and scoured social media to determine the 10 most coveted designer bags of the year. We’ll count them down from 10 to 1, revealing the bags everyone is clamoring to get their hands on.
Plus, we’ll share our own favorite from the list and discuss a couple notable bags that didn’t quite make the cut this year. So whether you’re looking to treat yourself or just want to stay on top of the latest bag trends, read on to discover the 10 most wanted designer bags in 2024.
Let’s dive in!
10. Chanel 19 Bag
Kicking off the list at #10 is the Chanel 19 bag. This bag debuted in 2019 and was one of the last designs by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld before his passing. Named after its birth year, the 19 is Lagerfeld’s modern reimagining of the iconic Chanel 2.55 bag originally created by Coco Chanel.
With its oversized quilting, chunky chain strap, and pocket-laden design, the 19 marks a fresh, casual direction for Chanel. But after being around for a few years now, many wondered – would the 19 go the way of a fleeting trend or emerge as a new classic?
Well, the people have spoken and the 19 has officially reached modern classic status, earning it the #10 spot on this year’s list. It’s an incredibly functional and easy-to-use bag, with a simple back pocket and single flap design. Available in a range of sizes and colors (we’re especially partial to the caramel hue), the 19 is a Chanel bag that can seamlessly integrate into your everyday life.
So while the 19 may have been met with speculation at first, it has proven itself as a covetable Chanel style with serious staying power. Don’t be surprised to see it continue climbing the most-wanted charts in years to come.
9. Celine Triomphe Bag
In ninth place we have a newcomer to the list – the Celine Triomphe bag. Celine has been having a major moment lately, especially with the rise of the quiet luxury trend. And the Triomphe bag has emerged as the French brand’s new It bag.
The Triomphe takes its name from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where Celine’s founder reportedly had her car break down, leading her to notice the intricate design motifs on the famous monument. She incorporated similar designs into what is now Celine’s iconic logo and emblem.
The Triomphe bag itself features this logo pattern prominently, allowing the brand to speak for itself without plastering its name everywhere. It has a subtle, if-you-know-you-know kind of appeal. And it comes in a variety of silhouettes, from the wildly popular Teen size to the Tiny and more spacious Large.
With celebs and influencers toting their Triomphes all over Instagram, it’s no wonder this sleek shoulder bag has skyrocketed in popularity. The minimalist yet instantly recognizable design makes it the perfect choice for a chic everyday bag. Keep an eye on Celine, because we predict the Triomphe and other styles sporting this logo will only continue to gain traction.
8. Chanel Business Affinity Bag
Another Chanel bag has made the cut, and it’s a personal favorite of ours – the Business Affinity. What makes the Business Affinity so special is that it combines the elegance of the classic flap with a more modern, streamlined practicality.
Featuring Chanel’s signature diamond quilting and CC turnlock closure, the Business Affinity definitely reads as Chanel. But rather than the more rigid rectangular shape of the classic flap, it has a softer, more malleable structure. It also features a singular flap rather than the double flap of its traditional counterpart.
Open it up and you’ll find a spacious interior with a zipped pocket, perfect for storing valuables. The back exterior also boasts a sizable pocket that can easily fit a phone. Carry the Business Affinity by the top handle for a ladylike look, or sling it over your shoulder with the leather-woven chain strap. The strap has a leather pad at the top for comfort.
We love the Business Affinity because it’s a slightly more low-key Chanel bag that’s lighter and easier to use than some of the brand’s more formal styles. It transitions effortlessly from the office to dinner and beyond. If you’re on the hunt for a Chanel that you can truly use every day, the Business Affinity is the way to go.
7. Louis Vuitton Go-14 Bag
In seventh place, we have a bit of a dark horse – the Louis Vuitton Go-14. This bag originally launched in 2014, but it got a major revamp in 2023 that has led to a surge in popularity.
The new Go-14 now features a delicate Monogram-embossed pattern on premium leather, giving it a fresh yet timeless look. The chain strap has also been updated with an adjustable leather pad for comfort. You can remove both the chain strap and the top handle for a variety of carrying options.
The Go-14 comes in Nano, BB, and MM sizes. The BB is the sweet spot for an everyday bag that fits all your essentials. The Nano is an adorably impractical mini, while the MM is better suited as a work or travel bag.
Louis Vuitton is positioning the Go-14 as a high-end design on par with its Capucines line, and with price tags to match – the BB starts around $5,300. But the people have spoken and the Go-14 earned a spot on the most-wanted list over the Capucines this year.
The combination of a classic Louis Vuitton pattern with a clean, modern silhouette makes the Go-14 the perfect bag for logo lovers who crave a more subdued look. With its sophisticated styling and impeccable craftsmanship, we can see why the Go-14 is the Louis Vuitton bag everyone wants right now.
6. Chanel Trendy CC Bag
Securing the sixth spot on the list is the Chanel Trendy CC. Launched in 2014, the Trendy has been gaining in popularity the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Trendy puts a fresh twist on the iconic Chanel aesthetic with a more east/west rectangular shape, a chunky Enamel CC clasp, and an adjustable, wider leather strap that can be worn long or doubled up. But it still features classic Chanel elements like the quilted leather and woven leather-chain shoulder strap.
One of the standout features of the Trendy is its divided interior with a central zipped compartment. It’s like having two bags in one! However, these compartments are a bit narrow, so while the bag looks quite large from the outside, it can’t actually fit very large items inside. Just something to keep in mind when considering the size.
Available in Small, Medium, and the newly introduced Mini, the Trendy is a great choice for Chanel lovers who want a bag that combines iconic style with modern functionality. The Small has emerged as the clear favorite, but the charming Mini is perfect if you prefer a compact crossbody.
With its distinctive yet classic look and convenient design, it’s no wonder the Trendy has captured the hearts of handbag lovers around the world. It may not be as famous as the Classic Flap, but the Trendy can definitely hold its own as a chic statement piece.
5. Celine 16 Bag
Breaking into the top 5 is a bag many may not have heard of until recently – the Celine 16. But once you see this bag in person, it’s not hard to understand how it became an instant hit.
Introduced in 2018, the 16 has a softly structured shape, sleek flap closure with a metallic C, and a leather-encased padlock that hangs from the base. It’s a deceptively simple, utterly timelessly, incredibly versatile bag. At first glance it’s unassuming, but a closer look reveals the immaculate craftsmanship and luxurious leather Celine is known for.
There’s something about the 16 that feels very Hermès Kelly-esque, with its clean lines, trapezoid silhouette, and emphasis on quality materials. But the branding is a bit more subtle, with a single leather-embossed Celine logo on the underside of the flap.
The 16 comes in Small, Medium, and Large sizes. The Medium has been spotted on the arms of many a celeb and fashion influencer, but the Small is ideal for everyday wear. Unlike the Chanel Trendy, the 16’s interior is one large compartment, so you can easily fit all your daily essentials and more.
If you’re on the hunt for a low-key luxury tote that exudes quiet elegance, look no further than the Celine 16. It may be a relatively new bag, but we predict this one will remain a most-wanted staple for years to come. Celine hit it out of the park with this one.
4. Chanel Classic Flap
Was there any doubt that the Chanel Classic Flap would end up on this list? This icon has been one of the most coveted bags in the world for decades, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. However, it did drop a few spots this year, likely due to Chanel’s steep price increases.
Created by Coco Chanel herself in February 1955 (hence the original 2.55 moniker), the Classic Flap is the definition of a forever bag. With its signature diamond or chevron quilting, CC turnlock, and woven leather-chain strap, it’s arguably the most recognizable handbag ever made.
The medium Classic Flap is the most popular, as it fits all the essentials while still being very wearable. The Jumbo and Maxi are better for those who carry a lot, while the Small and rectangular Mini are ideal for evenings out or days when you only need the absolute basics.
But all this prestige comes at a cost. Chanel has been increasing prices on the Classic Flaps every year, to the point where they retail around $10,000 now. Rumor has it the price hikes are an attempt to propel the Classic Flap into Hermès Birkin territory in terms of exclusivity and unattainability.
While many still consider the Classic Flap the holy grail of designer bags, these extreme prices are making it more of a pipe dream for the average consumer. The secondhand market is booming with vintage and pre-loved Classic Flaps though, so that may be the way to go if you’re willing to hunt one down.
In fact, many handbag lovers are opting for some of Chanel’s less famous but equally beautiful bags like the Business Affinity, Trendy CC, and 19 over the Classic Flap these days. But still – the fact that the Classic Flap consistently ranks on the most-wanted list year after year, even with skyrocketing prices, is a true testament to its icon status.
3. Hermès Kelly Bag
Hermès time! The Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly, has soared in popularity recently and beat out the brand’s own Birkin for the third most-wanted bag in the world.
The Kelly has a more refined, ladylike look than the Birkin, with a structured trapezoidal shape, a flap top secured by belted straps, a top handle, and an optional shoulder strap. It has a timeless equestrian-inspired design that comes in a variety of stunning leathers and colors.
Kellys range in size from 15cm (the adorable Kelly Nano) up to 40cm. The most popular sizes are the 25cm and 28cm, which are both ideal for everyday use. The 25 may look small but it can fit a surprising amount, and the shoulder strap makes it super convenient to carry.
The catch? Like all Hermès bags, you cannot simply buy a Kelly off the shelf. You have to establish a relationship with a sales associate and hope to be offered one. And even then, you’ll be put on a waitlist that can be years long. Essentially, you have to “earn” your way up to being offered a coveted Kelly or Birkin.
Of course, you can always go the resale route, but expect to pay up to double the retail price for a brand new Kelly. Depending on leather, color, hardware, etc., Kellys can resell for upwards of $20,000.
There’s a reason the Kelly has earned It bag status. The masterful construction and use of only the finest materials make it a work of art as much as a functional handbag. Once you’ve held one in your hands, you immediately understand the hype.
Is the Kelly an attainable bag for most? No, but that doesn’t make it any less dreamy! We, like many, will continue to pine after the perfect Kelly until the day we can call one our own. Hermès sure knows how to keep us longing for more.
2. Lady Dior Bag
Last year’s #1 most-wanted bag has been dethroned! But the Lady Dior still managed to snag second place, which is a feat in and of itself. This bag has been around since 1995 but shows no signs of going out of style any time soon.
Named after Princess Diana, who made the bag world-famous, the Lady Dior features structured cannage quilting, gold-tone charms spelling out D-I-O-R, and top handles that fit over the arm. Over the years it has been produced in various sizes, colors, materials, and embellishments, from classic black lambskin to metallic calfskin to embroidered satin.
The Medium is the most popular and practical size, perfect for daily use, but the Lady Dior is also lovely in Mini (cute and compact), Small (best for special occasions), and Large (an ideal work bag). Dior occasionally releases limited-edition versions featuring intricate embroidery or artsy illustrations, which are now made all the more covetable.
Some consider the charms and structured handles to be a bit cumbersome, and this bag definitely reads more formal and feminine compared to other bags on this list. But there’s no denying the allure of a true Lady bag.
Princess Diana put this handbag on the map decades ago, and a new generation of trendsetters and celebrities are making sure it stays on top in 2024. That’s the power of the Lady Dior – proven staying power. This is a bag you’ll never regret adding to your collection.
1. Hermès Birkin
And the most coveted bag in the world in 2024 is…the Hermès Birkin! The Birkin is one of those bags that will likely never go out of style or demand. It wasn’t on last year’s most-wanted list at all though, so its meteoric rise to #1 has shocked the fashion world.
The recent Birkin craze can likely be attributed to the plethora of celebrities and influencers flaunting their Birkins all over social media. Kylie Jenner made headlines when she was gifted a bespoke Birkin covered in 3D drawings by her daughter. Cardi B has a whole closet dedicated to her rare Birkins. The Kardashians have more crocodile Birkins than most of us have socks. You get the idea – the Birkin is the ultimate status symbol.
Named after actress Jane Birkin, who inspired the bag after complaining to the Hermès CEO that she could never find a leather weekend bag she liked, the Birkin has a supple rectangular shape, a flap top with belted straps, and a flared top that can be held in the crook of your arm or in your hand. It comes in seemingly endless colors, leathers, hardwares, and sizes, from 25cm to Travel.
The most popular is the 30cm which can hold your daily essentials and then some. The 25cm is a bit small for everyday but makes a fabulous going out bag. If you manage to get your hands on a Himalayan crocodile Birkin with diamond hardware, then congratulations – you may have one of the most expensive bags in the world!
Of course, you can’t just call up Hermès and order a Birkin. Much like the Kelly, you have to have an established relationship with a boutique and sales associate, and essentially be invited to purchase a Birkin as an esteemed client. Even then, you don’t have much say in what combination you get. Each Birkin is a labor of love that takes highly trained artisans anywhere from 20-25 hours to hand-craft, so inventory is extremely limited.
The benefit of a Birkin, much like a Chanel Classic Flap, is that it will always hold its value. If you tire of your Birkin or fall out of love with the color, you can resell it for two, three, even four times what you paid in some cases, depending on the specs. So in a sense, a Birkin is more of an investment than just a handbag purchase.
But let’s be real – most people want a Birkin for the flex. And hey, if you’re able to get your hands on one of these exclusive purses, then by all means flex away! Just know that by buying into the Birkin craze, you’re helping to cement its status as the most elusive, sought-after accessory in the world. The more people want it, the harder it becomes to get, and the cycle continues.
It’s not hard to see why the Birkin jumped from not even making the list last year to being the number one most desired bag in 2024. Celebrities, influencers, and social media have made this bag the ultimate object of desire. If you’re one of the lucky few to own a Birkin this year, consider yourself the envy of handbag lovers everywhere!
Honorable Mentions
While these 10 bags are clearly the most coveted of 2024, there were a couple bags that I was surprised didn’t make the list.
The first is the Bottega Veneta Jodie. Bottega has been a leader in the quiet luxury movement, and the Jodie bag has become a favorite among fashion insiders. The plump, woven lambskin and signature knot handle make it the perfect slouchy hobo to tuck under your arm. It’s effortlessly chic and practical at the same time.
The second bag I thought might squeak into the top 10 is the Chanel 22 Bag. This pillowy tote with a signature chunky chain strap debuted in 2022 and has been selling out consistently since then. It takes the iconic Chanel aesthetic in a more modern, casual direction, so I could definitely see it gaining It bag status soon.
But overall, this year’s list makes it clear that classic bags like the Chanel Classic Flap, Lady Dior, Kelly and Birkin reign supreme, while bags from Celine and Chanel’s more contemporary offerings are starting to threaten the old guard. Bags seem to be getting even more expensive and exclusive than ever too, further solidifying their status as investment pieces. We’ve got some shakeups in the rankings, but all in all the most highly desired bags of 2024 are a pretty solid bunch!
My Personal Pick
While the Hermès Birkin may be the people’s choice in 2024, it’s not actually my personal favorite. Of course, I wouldn’t turn one down if I had the opportunity to buy it, but I don’t know that I’d get enough use out of a bag that precious and expensive.
Gun to my head, if I had to pick just one bag to add to my collection this year, it would definitely be the Hermès Kelly 25cm. I think it’s the perfect size for everyday use, and the shoulder strap makes it so much more practical than the Birkin. It’s got that perfect balance of elegance and effortlessness.
In terms of styling, a Kelly is so versatile – it looks just as good with a pair of beat-up jeans as it does with a cocktail dress. You can dress it up or down endlessly. And the quality of Hermès craftsmanship is simply unparalleled. If properly cared for, a Kelly will truly last a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations. That’s what makes these bags so special to me.
So while I’m thrilled to see the Birkin take the top spot this year, the Kelly will always have my heart. It is the definition of a holy grail bag to me! But I’m a handbag lover through and through, so I’m always excited to see what bags people are responding to, whether it aligns with my personal taste or not. At the end of the day, luxury handbags make my heart skip a beat, so I loved putting together this year’s roundup of the most coveted bags.
Let me know your own thoughts on this year’s list. Any surprises? Any bags you thought would rank higher or lower? What would be your number one pick? I always love nerding out about designer handbags, so drop me a comment with your take on the top 10 most wanted bags in 2024!