These Are the Most Important Designer Bags of the Year

There's very little that unites the vast array of beautiful designer handbags for 2019 apart from the fact they are, indeed, beautiful designer handbags. These days, rather than one overarching silhouette or finish leading the charge for all bags, you'll find that each high-fashion brand has the style that most suits its unique aesthetic. So forget the notion that only satchels can be stylish when shoulder bags are out or that bucket drawstring totes are the only thing to be seen carrying. Trust us—there's a deluxe bag out there for everyone.

If you like your investments to be loud, flashy, and conspicuous, it's likely you'll be drawn to Fendi's new embellished baguettes. If you're still adhering to the Phoebe Philo school of hushed luxury, Chloé's simple shoulder bag might become your new go-to thanks to its minimal detailing and chic C logo. It looks like the interest in backpacks has waned slightly, and clutches continue have grown in popularity thanks to Bottega Veneta, but the runways of F/W 19 played host to a wide array of new ideas if you're looking for something subtle but unusual.

Keep reading to discover the chief designer bags of 2019, and then shop a few.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding Bottega Veneta this season thanks to the new creative director, Daniel Lee, who has debuted two new bags for the house, the Maxi and the Pouch. This oversize slouchy clutch bag was a real hit at fashion month—especially the stone color Pernille Teisbaek is carrying below. Since then celebs have taken to it (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in particular) and it's been near-impossible to find them in stock. 

Barely a bag, struggling to even be a purse, somehow the world's teeniest, tiniest mini tote from Jacquemus has proven to be a big smash. Le Chiquito bags sell out as soon as they drop online and have a following that expands way beyond the U.S.—this is Instagram and collectible-fashion fodder, as it's most ironic, and that's before we get to the necklace version.

Chloé's new bag, the C, might be our favourite of the Parisian brand's many It bags to date. Featuring a jumbo C on the front (how'd you guess?), this elegant new range includes flap-fronted messengers, shoulder bags, and clutches in all of those sumptuous, earthy colors you'd associate with a runway full of #ChloéGirls.

Finally, our prayers have been answered. The Baguette is back with a big, loud bang. Whether rendered in denim with fluoro stitching or embellished up to its eyeballs in beading or gold velvet, these new Baguettes are not for the shy and retiring. Fashion girls everywhere have been snapping up secondhand versions, but now that the brand is re-releasing them, there's a chance to grab a box-fresh version all over again.

This bag comes in lots of colours and bold prints. 

Tapping into that '90s nostalgia for teeny-tiny shoulder bags, Prada has created the ultimate option for a girl in 2019: the Sidonie. It comes in a vast range of colors and color-blocked options, with the primary brights looking particularly spectacular both on and off the runway. This style has started for cruise 2019 but continues on into the spring/summer collections, and I have a feeling it will become a collector's item of the future.

Mulberry's chain-fastened Keeley bag has proven to be a hit inside the Who What Wear office, particularly in the more adventurous colors and finishes, like this dreamy blue. You can get it in multiple sizes (but even the small one can carry a lot), and we're also keen on the lizard print as well as the more crafty woven styles.

Following a huge comeback in 2018, it's no wonder that Dior's Saddle bag is coming out in many new versions this year, as well as more of the classic styles you'll know and love. From the instantly recognizable Oblique monogrammed shoulder bag to fresher styles in mini and midi sizes with jazzed-up, embellished straps, there's a Saddle for all—if you've got the money to burn. J'Dior, indeed.

There's no end to the '90s revivals on planet fashion, but this little bag has to be the chicest part of the comeback overall. The Rachel bag from accessories label By Far has been picked up by literally every influencer and spawned many a copycat. It's been hard work tracking down both the plain tan version and its mock-croc iteration as those two finishes have been the most popular of all, but there are more coming onto By Far's own website soon.

As seen on the runways and an elite selection of celebrities (such as Chloë Grace Moretz and Elle Fanning), Louis Vuitton's curvy New Wave bag is now being constantly redesigned as part of the heritage brand's The Icons collection. There are many colorways from the latest drop, but I have to admit I'm a sucker for the really OTT printed and monogrammed versions, like the option below.

Last summer, Loewe saw a great deal of success with its jumbo, super-luxe, leather logo basket bags—no influencer holiday was complete without one. Creative director Jonathan Anderson has wisely taken this popular style and developed on it even further for spring/summer 2019. You'll find new versions with cool handle detailing (like the chain option above), alternative straw weaves and even raffia take on the brand's street style–adored Gate bag.

There are so many coveted styles in Gucci's handbag famiglia that it can be hard to keep up. All the pieces that have been created under Alessandro Michele still stand up as worthwhile investment pieces, but if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you need to know about the horse-bit-adorned collection of Zumi handbags. They're inspired by a Gucci bag from the 1960s, and you'll find them in different styles, from this neat crossbody to more elaborate totes.

From the first Celine collection of new creative director Hedi Slimane comes a different era for the French brand's accessories department. His designs are sturdier and fiercer. Take this already celebrity-endorsed "C" bag as a prime example of what we're talking about.

Julianne Moore is one of the most stylish women in the world, so it makes sense that she's got her hands on one of the newest Celine creations—the Triomphe canvas bucket bag. The fashion house has launched a whole range featuring the classic print including a camera bag and the drawstring tote carried by Julianne. 

As the brand buyers have been raving about (they all fell head over heels for the S/S 19 show), Paco Rabanne will be more visible from here on out. Signature chain mail from the '60s is being reworked for the modern age, and every cool girl is trying to get her hands on the silver or gold Iconic bags. 

I was pleased as punch when I managed to get hold of a Baozi bag from new French handbag brand Elleme. It was still relatively unknown at the beginning of the year, but thanks to Instagram, these little beauties have become a cult hit among the style set. The circular handle and raffia finish make both trending pieces instantly recognizable, but there are many different iterations to discover in the full collection. FYI, the Baozi is a slightly smaller version of the Raisin.

JW Anderson's key bag for spring/summer 2019 is the Keyts, a classic leather shoulder bag with an interesting gold lock and key fastening on the flap.

Burberry's leather TB crossbody bag is bound to become a new classic. It's an elegant and timeless shape, and the TB monogram is a nod to the founder Thomas Burberry. It was designed by the English graphic designer Peter Saville.

Boyy's cute oversize-buckle design isn't necessarily anything new for 2019, but ever since Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, we've seen them everywhere. The most recent spot was at London Fashion Week on Jessie Bush of We the People Style. 

This bag has spawned what feels like a million replicas. From fast-fashion brands to other luxury brands, it seems like Shrimps' bag has influenced so many. But the original will always be the best. Snap up one of the colored versions for a fresher take on this pretty It bag. 

It's not just the clutch bag and the shoes that everyone in fashion is desperate to get their hands on. There's also the Arco bag. A more practical bag, but still very chic, it will make every outfit you wear it with look rich. 

Loewe's trademark craftsmanship merges art with fashion in this is one made for the street style set.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Up next, two designer bags everyone wants more than ever this year.

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