Arm candy for the ages—the best bags to invest in

Bags that beat the trends.

Jan 04, 2024 | by Bani Sachar

We love the allure of the handbag, it’s the perfect arm candy, not to mention a great accessory. A handbag holds the power to elevate any ensemble, but with the endless flurry of fashion weeks and transient Instagram trends, we’re confronted with an endless parade of arm candy, which can make timelessness seem like a far-off myth. There’s nothing we despise as much as watching an item in our closet slowly go out of style (highlighting all the impulse-trend buys we’ve made in 2023). This is where some classic pieces like handbags come into play.

Think of these styles as the ultimate investment. Similar to a black blazer, a white tee, or a pair of great jeans, a good handbag is an integral part of a successful wardrobe—and there’s a version for every occasion, season, and personal style.

The Lady Dior serves as a perfect example of this. The structured Dior armpiece made its debut on Princess Diana’s arm in 1995—quite instantly becoming a staple in her wardrobe. The bag remains one of Dior’s most profitable and recognisable pieces. It doesn't hurt that the bag comes in a variety of colours and sizes. This bag definitely proved to be a favourite for the selective attendees of the Dior pre-fall showcase in Mumbai.

Another classic is the Fendi Baguette. Fashion’s favourite it-girl, Carrie Bradshaw helped catapult this bag to fame. Lauded for its sleek and stylish design, this bag rests comfortably under the arm. 26 years later, the bag comes in a multitude of hues, a couple of collaborations, and remains a symbol of all things chic.

The Gucci Jackie is a timeless bag that seems to transition seamlessly from morning to evening, fitting all the essentials. In all its timeless elegance, the bag owes its name to the former first lady of the United States. It embodies her effortless yet iconic style and remains a staple for fashion girlies to date. With its detachable straps and exciting colours, it makes for the ideal accessory.

Any story on bags would be incomplete without talking about the highly coveted Hermes Birkin. We’ve all heard the story of how the bag was designed especially for Jane Birkin—initially sketched by Jean-Louis Dumas on the side of a sick bag on a flight. While it might take a lot of waiting and some sucking up to your shopping assistant to get your hands on one, this bag is (quite literally) a better investment than gold! It’s proven to be the ultimate style statement that has stood the test of time.

Below are some of our favourite classic silhouettes.

Fendi Baguette Bag, ₹4,08,000