Top Fashion-Forward Handbag Brands for Women

In the world of fashion, a handbag is not merely an accessory but a statement of style and functionality. For women seeking the perfect blend of luxury and durability, the choice of brand can significantly elevate their wardrobe. From high-end names that exude elegance to more affordable options offering cutting-edge designs, finding the right brand involves exploring an array of choices to match personal taste and lifestyle. To discover which brands have made it to the top of this year’s list of must-have women handbags, read on below.

Illustration of women handbags

Best brands of women handbags in 2025

Chanel

Chanel, founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel in Paris, is a leading luxury brand renowned for its iconic handbags, with a 12% market share in 2022, celebrated for their timeless designs and exquisite craftsmanship; the Classic Flap bag, first released in 1955, remains a highly coveted piece with prices ranging from $3,350 to over $11,500 in 2023, and prices have increased significantly since 2016. The brand's handbags are considered a status symbol and a solid investment, often increasing in value over time, and Chanel has consistently increased prices on their most popular styles such as the Classic Flap and Boy Bag. Their classic designs, like the 2.55 and the Classic Flap, have become staples in fashion, and are favored by many stylish women.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854, stands as a premier luxury brand, boasting a 22% market share in 2022 within the competitive handbag industry, and is a subsidiary of LVMH, generating €22.2 billion in 2019 from its Fashion & Leather Goods segment, with iconic designs like the Neverfull and Speedy continuously capturing the hearts of women. The brand is also known for collaborations and high-profile fashion shows, making it a leader in the luxury market. Find your iconic bag today.

Hermès

Hermès, a French luxury brand founded in 1837, is renowned for its meticulously handcrafted women's handbags, primarily produced in France by skilled artisans, with each Birkin bag taking over 18 hours to complete. The brand is known for retaining an average of 103% of their retail value, making them a great investment, as shown in a 2023 report. In 2022, Hermès was the third most recognized luxury handbag brand in the U.S., with 16% of consumers having them top of mind, and in 2021, 45% of their revenue came from leather goods, with popular models such as the Birkin and Kelly being highly coveted.

Gucci

Gucci, established in 1921, is a leading luxury brand renowned for its exquisite women's handbags, with leather goods, including handbags, accounting for nearly 60% of their sales, and the brand has maintained popularity since 1937. The Gucci Soho Disco bag, for example, holds an average resale value of 83%, while the GG Marmont collection holds an average resale value of 72%. Iconic styles like the Jackie, Dionysus, and Marmont are continually sought after by fashion enthusiasts, with Gucci being named one of the top resale brands in 2019. Gucci's handbags blend classic designs with modern twists, as seen in the Queen Margaret bag, which features a crystal and pearl-encrusted bee closure. You can explore their latest collections on their official website.

Prada

Prada, established in 1913, has consistently been a top producer of women's handbags, holding a significant market share, with some estimates suggesting over 10% of the luxury handbag market; their iconic designs and high-quality materials have solidified their reputation as a leading luxury brand; the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in every piece, making them a coveted accessory for discerning women; they continue to release both classic and on-trend pieces, maintaining a loyal following throughout the years; Prada's handbags are an investment in style and quality. For more details, visit their official Prada website.

Fendi

Established in Rome in 1925, Fendi is a renowned Italian luxury brand celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, particularly in women's handbags, with the iconic Baguette bag launching in 1997 and selling over 100,000 units in its debut year, solidifying Fendi's status in the handbag market. Fendi's bags, crafted from premium leather, are known for their meticulous stitching and high-quality hardware, often commanding prices between $2,000 and $6,000, reflecting the brand's commitment to excellence. With a customer base that is 62.45% female, Fendi maintains a significant presence in the luxury market and is recognized as a top brand for its superior quality, design, and craftsmanship, though it has a lower market share compared to some competitors. The brand's 54-year collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld starting in 1965, and later with Silvia Venturini Fendi, has led to a continuous reinvention of their designs, making Fendi a leader in both timeless and modern aesthetics. With a focus on timeless pieces and a minimal assortment, Fendi continues to be one of the most iconic luxury brands in the world. For further details, visit Fendi's official website.

Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent, founded over six decades ago, remains a top luxury brand renowned for its sleek sophistication and high-quality leather handbags, with iconic designs like the Loulou, which was created in 2017, and the College bag, launched in 2015; searches for Saint Laurent bags have increased by 30% since September 2021, reflecting their peak demand and timeless appeal; popular styles include the Le 5 à 7 hobo and the Solferino crossbody, often seen on fashion icons, and the brand offers a variety of options from shoulder bags to totes, each featuring the recognizable YSL logo, and are available with up to 48% off on some websites.

Givenchy

Givenchy, established in 1952, has consistently been a top producer of luxury women's handbags, with a reported 15% market share in the high-end accessories sector in 2023. Renowned for their craftsmanship and elegant designs, some of their most sought-after bags include the Antigona and the Pandora. Givenchy continues to be a leading choice for women seeking both style and sophistication.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga, a Parisian fashion house established in 1917, is renowned for its high-end, innovative designs, particularly in women's handbags, with the iconic City bag, initially launched in 2001 and experiencing a resurgence in popularity in 2024, and the Hourglass bag being among the most sought-after styles, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary aesthetics. Despite some sales fluctuations in certain regions, the brand maintains a strong presence in the luxury market, with a focus on craftsmanship and unique designs that appeal to a diverse range of consumers, making it a top choice for women seeking both style and functionality.

Celine

Celine, established in 1945 in Paris, initially a children's shoe store, evolved into a luxury brand renowned for its sophisticated women's handbags, expanding into leather accessories in 1966 and gaining a devoted following for minimalist designs; the brand's iconic bags, like the Luggage Tote first released in 2010, remain highly coveted, contributing to the women's segment holding approximately 55-60% of the luxury handbag market share in 2021, and continuing to grow through innovative designs. You can explore their collections on their official website.