Top 5 Bags That You Can Pass Down to Future Generations

Every time that I am about to buy a designer handbag, I ask myself: “will I be wearing this item in 10, or 20 years down the road?” Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy wearing fashion trends. It’s just that when it comes to luxury, I’ve always preferred splurging on pieces that I am sure would stand the test of time.

My rule of thumb when it comes to designer handbag shopping: buy 80 percent of timeless classics and 20 percent of trends. Obviously, such approach will seem too boring to some people. But, isn’t luxury supposed to be about the investment and longevity? 

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of the classic designer handbags is that if you wanted you could pass them further. Today, I would like to talk such bags. The bags that you could pass down to future generations. Have you ever thought of possibly giving your bags to your daughter(s) in the future? Rest assured that if you buy one of these 5 bags, you could totally do that!

*This blog post has been brought to you in a partnership with Rebag. In honor of the approaching Mother’s day, Rebag is giving FifthAvenueGirl’s readers a 10% OFF their purchases on site. To get the discount, use the coupon code “MARIA10” at checkout. The coupon code is valid for one week only, from 4/26 through 5/2. Please note, that both the coupon code and links in this blog post are affiliate, which means that in case if you end up purchasing something from Rebag, I might earn a commission (at no additional cost to you, of course!)

1. Hermes Kelly

A lot of people associate Hermes with the Birkin, but only true fans of the brand know that the Kelly bag has been around for decades longer.

Originally introduced in 1930s as “Sac à dépêches”, the bag shot to international fame in 1956 when Grace Kelly (a Hollywood actress, fashion icon and Princess of Monaco) used it to shield her baby bump from paparazzi. The photo quickly spread all around the World and not only has the demand for “Sac à dépêches” skyrocketed, but from there on everyone began calling it “the Kelly Bag”. In 1977 Hermes officially renamed the handbag after the Princess.

The Hermes Kelly continues to rank as one of the most desired handbags in the World. Sophisticated and classy, the Hermes Kelly is distinguished by its trapezium shape and a single top handle. The style that is a definition of timeless elegance, the Hermes Kelly makes an excellent bag to pass down to future generations.

2. Chanel 2.55 Reissue

Would you like to pass down your daughter a piece of handbag history? If the answer to this question is “yes”, then it must be the Chanel 2.55 Reissue. While this bag might seem a little bit subtler in design than the popular Chanel Classic Flap, that doesn’t mean it’s any less iconic. 

The 2.55 was the original Chanel shoulder bag. Designed by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself, the Chanel 2.55 featured a timeless rectangular silhouette with the “Mademoiselle” lock and chain shoulder strap. As Coco Chanel once said: “simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance”. The Chanel 2.55 bag couldn’t justify this quote any better.

It was in 2005 when the late Karl Lagerfeld has reintroduced the style to the classic Chanel range. Since then, the 2.55 Reissue has been one of the most popular Chanel handbags out there. Furthermore, as the classic style it is subject to yearly price increases, which means that the 2.55 Reissue is also an excellent investment.

3. Dior Lady Dior

It was in 1995 when a then-First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac gave Lady Diana, the Princess of Wales, a Dior handbag named “Chouchou”. Little did she know that soon this bag is going to turn into one of the most iconic handbags ever created in the history of fashion.

From the first time the “Chouchou” appeared on the arm of Lady Diana, it was proclaimed the Lady Dior. Actually, Lady Diana enjoyed the handbag so much that she ended up ordering in it every available version. The embodiment of timeless elegance, the Lady Dior features all the hallmarks of the House of Dior, from the iconic Cannage motif to legendary D.i.o.r charms.

The Lady Dior handbag continues to be re-imagined season after season, which even further proves on its staying power and makes it an excellent choice for a bag to pass down to future generations.

4. Celine Box Bag

Only true Celine fans know that the Celine Box Bag is actually a re-design of an old Celine bag from the 70s. When Phoebe Philo was appointed as the new creative director of the House in 2008, her vision for Celine was to create classic designs with minimal branding.

The biggest difference between the new Box bag and its vintage predecessor lies in the logo. The old version came with a beautiful vintage Celine horse and carriage logo, while on the new Box Bag this detail got replaced with a delicate gold-tone buckle.

The Celine Box Bag was named after its simple, box-like silhouette. Although the design is quite plain and simple, the beauty of the Box bag is hard to deny. A classic shape that is to remain in style regardless of fashion trends, the Celine Box bag is another fabulous bag to hold on to forever.

5. Louis Vuitton Keepall (or anything luggage)

Though Louis Vuitton is now better known for their handbags, everyone knows that it all started with luggage. If you are into traveling, then a piece of either hard or soft Louis Vuitton luggage is a must-have in your collection.

My top pick when it comes to Louis Vuitton luggage bags is the Keepall. Likely the most popular designer duffle bag out there, the Louis Vuitton Keepall is like a more spacious version of the Speedy. Actually, the Keepall was introduced even earlier than the Speedy! In fact, the Speedy was designed as a smaller version of the Keepall!

The Louis Vuitton Keepall currently comes in 4 sizes: 45, 50, 55 and 60. Light and supple, the Keepall is to fit in all of your travel essentials. While the bag comes in a variety of materials, I think the classic Monogram is the one to go for. The vintage patina is to die for. It will only make the bag look better with age. Being one of the first Louis Vuitton bags ever created, the Keepall is another excellent bag to pass down to future generations.

Would you consider passing down your designer handbag collection? Let me know in the comments below!