Investment bags every working woman needs by age 30

For most 20-somethings, the idea of splurging on every single new Saint Laurent release or a pair of Gucci sunglasses may just seem absolutely unnecessary — luxury tags can go ahead and sit on the back-burner while we down that second shot of tequila.

But once we approach the big 3-0, saving up for a series of high-quality, classic handbags is a more logical move that you’d imagine.

We’re talking about 'investment pieces', the things that will supposedly see you through a lifetime of wardrobe crises and cheap, trend-obsessed fast fashion. An arsenal of timeless bags (which frankly, are meant to be earned) can really last you for life — and even serve as a valuable heirloom after.

It’s time to look and feel the part of a glamorous, polished adult; we’ve round up bags that we predict will be decade-spanning investment pieces for time to come. From multicoloured, striped Birkins to quilted Chanel vanity bags, these  are really worth pumping your hard-earned, hard-saved money into.

GUIRLANDE DE CARTIER

Remember the opulent red purse seen all over the social media pages of fashion influencers in 2018? ICYMI, that Instagram-worthy bag is Cartier’s Guirlande de Cartier, inspired by the iconic red case Cartier uses for its jewellery and watches, such as their equally iconic Juste un Clou and Love bracelets, and Baignoire watch.

The Guirlande de Cartier comes in three sizes (mini, S and M) and is fashioned from a supple calfskin upper and a buttery black calfskin lining. The perimeter of the bag is beautifully adorned with the maison’s signature golden wreath, introduced in the 18th century.

It has two straps – a top handle, and a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. Functional? Check. Versatile? Check. The mini and S sizes are available in red, black and green, while the M size comes only in black and red.

FENDI KAN I

Joining the ranks of Fendi's past It-bags which include the Peekaboo and Baguette bag, the Kan I bag brings a breath of fresh air to Fendi's archives of bags with its sleek silhoutte and fun styles. 

Introduced in 2017, this boxy flap bag with a round top handle and the new Fendi logo plague punctuated in the center comes in many innovative and colourful styles with the house's famed candy coloured studs. 

Our favourite is this cream and chocolate-hued edition with a 'FF' carpet embroidery panel. Showcasing logomania at its best, this soon-to-be classic has both of Fendi's signature elements: a netural colour palette and a sophisticated play on the FF logo.

Punctuated with hammered double bracelet handles and brass hardware, this AW'17 runway favourite conjures the spirit of its similar-looking predecessor: the Nile bag. But this '60s inspired statement accessory holds its own  with its outstanding features.

CHLOE PIXIE

The Pixie is shaped perfectly round with a textural exterior of suede and contrasting grained leather half-moon panels. With its classic equestrian details and architecturally exquisite form, we predict that this standout bag from Chloe will be a mainstay in every fashion girl's wardrobe for years to come.

SAINT LAURENT LOU LOU

Introduced in 2017, Saint Laurent's Lou Lou shoulder bag features a chain strap, a v-shaped front flap, matelassé quilting effect and the label's iconic silver-tone metal monogram plastered front and centre. It was named after muse and style icon Loulou de La Falaise - indicating, perhaps, that it would come to be as timeless as its namesake some years down the road.

The chain strap is also adjustable. Meaning: You can switch it from a shoulder bag to a cross-body style according to the occasion. A bag's versatilty is always a good measure in determining it to be a "forever bag" that's worth the investment.

LOEWE GATE BAG

Loewe's Gate bag first garnered the attention of fashion connoiseurs when it was first shown on the runway of SS'18. Its shape informs of a classic saddle design - but elevated with a contemporary edge, giving it a modern equastrian look.  Petite and chic, this new bag is sure to join the house’s existing list of icons with its distinctive rounded design and a unique knotted front belt with contrasting decorative stitches. 

The versatile Gate comes in a repertoire of rich and interesting colourways. That, together with its timeless functionality, renders it perfect for every single type of woman with every single type of taste. 

GIVENCHY HORIZON

If there's any bag of Givenchy's that deserves the most airtime right now, it's the beautifully unadorned, minimalistic and sleek Horizon. Ever since its first appearance on the Pre-Fall 2016 runway, the tote-style satchel with a banded detail at the handle base has become a favourite staple amongst many. Incorporating the horizontal stripe native to their now famed graphic T-shirts, Givenchy's Horizon has a wide leather panel interlacing the sides of the bag as an all-around belt accent. It also comes in 4 sizes to date: Medium, Small, Mini and Nano.

Built to last, as a testament to the brand's detailed execution of quality control, the Horizon is nothing but the epitome of simplicity at its finest.

MULTICOLOURED HERMES BIRKIN

The Hermes Birkin needs no introduction. Otherwise known amongst the fashion tribe as 'The Holy Grail’ of investment handbags, this classic has always been the go-to option for any woman who’s been eyeing designer bags. For its Resort 2018 collection, Hermes gave its iconic bag a twist: colourful pipings. Presented in bright colors with contrasting borders and colorblock pattern, these new designs will surely be a must-have.

They’re a less serious, less “by-the-book” iteration of the former classic, and they’re perfect for those who’d prefer to show off some personality with their investment pieces.

LARGE CALFSKIN LADY DIOR BAG

Dior’s iconic bag, the Lady Dior, features all the hallmarks of Dior leather goods: soft lambskin topstitched with the iconic Cannage motif, rounded handles and D.i.o.r charms.

Reinterpreted in Dior’s Cruise 2018 collection with a larger size, off-white Canyon grained lambskin, and the signature charms in aged silver-tone metal and mosaic in turquoise, this bag has already established itself as a decade-enduring classic with its timeless form and understated elegance.

MOYNAT REJANE (SINGAPORE VERSION)

Last year in early September 2017, Moynat hit our shores as the brand opened ‘Moynat Singapore’ - the brand's first in Southeast Asia. In lieu of this opening, Moynat designed a Singapore exclusive - the Rejane bag reworked with some extra-special touches, just for us (you can read all about this is detail here). Crafted out of materials sourced from Singapore (specifically from Heng Long Crocodile Farm), the Rejane has been given a Crocodile Céramique finish. True handbag cognoscente may know the Rejane as the first handbag ever to be pronounced a celebrity (yes, even before the days of Birkins and Alexas), but this new rendition is a captivating must-own collector’s item for us Singaporean ladies.

GUCCI OPHIDIA

Gucci’s Ophidia bag, which came down the runway during the Cruise 2018 presentation, is designed to a domed shape reminiscent of the house's 1970s designs. The newest addition to the GG family has all the makings of a timeless must-have; it’s versatile, roomy enough to carry all your daily essentials and features the House’s signature imprint: the tonal brown GG supreme canvas.

CHANEL VANITY CASE

It’s has an inlaid Web-stripe detail, a crackled-leather effect trim, logo pull-tab charms, and even has cardholders on the inside for organisation purposes. The Chanel code is omnipresent in this new full-grain leather vanity case-style shoulder bag from the Spring Summer 2018 pre-collection: polished quilted leather, the signature chain strap, and an XL double C stitching.

Mirroring the boxy silhouette trend that’s ubiquitous across the season, this bag takes the cake as the ultimate must-have for years to come with its classic Chanel elements and sophisticated appeal.

LOUIS VUITTON BENTO BOX

No one does a monogram quite like how Louis Vuitton does it. Just look at the brand's famed Neverfull, and you’ll know what we’re getting at here: Louis Vuitton bags are hardly ever an afterthought; they’re a true coveted classic, highly sought after with its signature Monogram Reverse canvas and gleaming gold hardware. This newly released Bento Box has both those things. 

Having made its first ever appearance on the Cruise 2018 runway, this key statement bag features both a handle and a strap for hand, shoulder or crossbody wear. The namesake bag (Bento) was crafted to recall the vertical rectangular body and short handle of its inspiration.

PRADA CAHIER

Named Cahier, which is french for notebook, this Prada bag first debuted on the runway of Fall 2016 and has been regarded as an ‘It bag’ amongst street style stars and fashion insiders everywhere. Inspired by the bindings of an antique book, it’s structured box-shaped form renders it as the perfect mix between classic and contemporary. The range has been selling well since its first launch a couple of seasons back, with limited number of pieces for sale each time around whenever a new design launches.

Prada’s Resort 2018 collection features the Cahier with Liberty prints and illustrations from Taiwanese-American visual artist James Jean, but we still think that the original black leather Cahier with gold hardware will be a long-staying classic synonymous with millenial tastes.

This article was first published in Her World Online.