The 10 Most Expensive Designer Handbag Brands In The World

The Top 10 Most Expensive Handbag Brands in the World

The beauty of the designer handbag industry is the variety of pieces available to suit every taste, purpose, or budget. From the high street to high-end fashion houses, experimentation with colours, materials, precious metals, jewels, and size is regular. As a result, there is something for everyone, and with all popular designer bags, there are pieces which take it to the next level and demand incredibly high prices as a result.

Here, we look at some of the most expensive handbags ever produced, and why they come with such price tags, including those bought in an auction, direct from the designer or loaned out to famous names.

#10: Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is a name ubiquitous with fashion accessories and notorious for quality, so their specialist ‘Carolyn Crocodile’ handbag had to feature at #10 on our list. Whilst they have more accessible and affordable lines and may not seem to be exclusive, this piece proves they can compete with huge global names, not just on price but on outstanding quality and rarity too.

This handbag costs an estimated £21,000 ($30,000) and is constructed from patent crocodile skin, available in a quilted blue or purple coloured pattern reminiscent of tie-dye, which guides the chosen colour through a variety of different tints and hues on each individual panel to create an unforgettable effect. You won’t see anything like this again.

Above: Marc Jacobs' 'Carolyn Crocodile' in purple. Source: Luxos.com

#9: Fendi

Above: Marc Jacobs' 'Carolyn Crocodile' in purple. Source: Luxos.com

The ‘Selleria’ handbag was first launched over 70 years ago in 1938 and is an icon Italian fashion giants Fendi have moulded their brand image around. Made to order with sable and chinchilla leathers (two of the most expensive and elusive skins in existence) these beauties can take up to 4 months to be produced by Italian master craftsmen.

Above: Fendi's 'Selleria' handbag in a stylish silver. Source: Pinterest

Above: Fendi's 'Selleria' handbag in a stylish silver. Source: Pinterest

The handbag, priced at £26,500 ($38,000), not only exudes luxury and sophistication with a sublime finish but is one of the few bags in our list which is actually big enough for daily use and can accommodate all of your accessories comfortably within its sumptuously soft hide. Tempting to say the least for any handbag aficionado.

View our range of Authentic Pre-Owned Fendi Bags at more affordable prices!

#8: Hilde Palladino

Hilde Palladino is a Norwegian designer who produces some of the most unique handbags on the planet. The ‘Gadino’ is classed as one of the most impressive purses in the world by popular demand. The limited edition bag is made from white crocodile skin with 39 diamonds placed on its lavish white gold fasteners.

Above: Palladino's 'Gadino'. Source: Smartsuwal.com

Above: Palladino's 'Gadino'. Source: Smartsuwal.com

Coming in at a cool £27,000 ($38,470) it’s actually quite reasonable in the context of this piece. Palladino sells her bags within high-end boutiques around the world like Harvey Nichols, but keeps them incredibly limited in production to keep them exciting and only for a fortunate few.

#7: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton are known for pushing the boundaries with extravagant one off collections and ground-breaking concepts which have changed the landscape of fashion over their history. With a brand image of usually being clean, clinical and recognisable, nothing within this list quite compares to their ‘Tribute Patchwork’ bag for boundary pushing innovative design.

Including a variety of different iconic Louis Vuitton styles pieced together, only 20 of these Frankenstein-esque collector’s items were ever produced, and retailed for £29,000 ($42,000) each. Opinion was split upon release in 2007 as some sectors dubbed it “the world’s ugliest handbag”, but unsurprisingly they all sold out rapidly. For sheer attention to detail and paying homage to some fantastic styles, Louis Vuitton has to be acknowledged for their audacity on this occasion.

Above: Beauty or a beast? Louis Vuitton's 'Tribute Patchwork' has raised some eyebrows. Source: Financesonline.co.uk

Above: Beauty or a beast? Louis Vuitton's 'Tribute Patchwork' has raised some eyebrows. Source: Financesonline.co.uk

If your bag budget doesn't stretch to this, why not see if we have a more affordable Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton Bag for sale.

#6: Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent, founded in 1961, is a brand notorious for modern minimalism and Parisian monochrome fashion, creating ready-to-wear garments as well as a range of accessories in which handbags feature prominently. Creatively directed by Hedi Slimane, simplicity in its purest form with perfect execution and superb materials seems to be the way of YSL, and their ‘Sac De Jour’ leather tote is a prime example of this mantra.

Constructed from magnificent alligator leather you cannot argue that this handbag is simply sublime and will never go out of style: exactly what founder Yves Saint Laurent would have wanted. Coming in at £ 20,500 (€26,500) it ranks at the ‘cheaper’ end of this list but maintains an understated luxury that rivals the more excessive pieces on this list. Maybe one day!

Above: The definition of elegance? Saint Laurent's 'Sac De Jour'

Above: The definition of elegance? Saint Laurent's 'Sac De Jour'

Shop our range of Pre-Owned Saint Laurent Handbags.

#5: Chanel

A mainstay within the handbag world, if you ask any collector or enthusiast Chanel will not be far from their thoughts. Aside from their classic, lavish retail collections they have some of the most beautiful and sought after bespoke pieces the world has ever seen.

The Chanel ‘Diamond Forever’ handbag is a piece which immediately springs to mind. With only 13 produced worldwide in 2007 the handbag boasts 334 diamonds making up an extraordinary 3.56 carats, 18 carat white gold hardware and a white alligator skin body. The price for this masterpiece of £183,000 ($261,000) places the bag firmly amongst the most desirable handbags to have ever been produced.

Above: Diamonds are forever with this Chanel showstopper. Source: Styledemocracy.com

Above: Diamonds are forever with this Chanel showstopper. Source: Styledemocracy.com

For something with a little less ‘bling’ the Chanel ‘Croc Biarritz’, an oversized tote bag made exclusively from black crocodile exotic leather, is another notable release from the French powerhouse which is a little more subtle. There were only 8 produced and the sleek design means an incredibly resilient everyday fashion piece, but for £30,000 ($43,150) you would expect it to be!

Shop our range of Pre-Owned Chanel Handbags.

#4: Hermes

Hermes Birkin’s are notoriously hard to come by and demand eye-watering sums as a result, and this trend has no sign of ending. Currently a Birkin holds the record for the most expensive bag ever to sell at auction- a pink exotic crocodile skin example with diamond embellishments which sold at Christies in Hong Kong for a staggering £155,000 ($221,844). The previous record at auction was also a Birkin too, set in 2011 when a red Birkin with diamond accompaniments sold at Heritage Auctions in New York for £143,000 ($203,150).

These aftermarket auction prices are extreme, but they are nothing compared to the retail of their collaboration pieces with renowned designers. In 2012 Hermes revealed a solid gold piece by designer Pierre Hardy 2 years in the making which went on sale for $1.9million. A Hermes Birkin by Ginza Tanaka made of platinum and adorned with more than 2000 diamonds, including large pearl drop diamonds, also holds a value of $1.9 million (approximately £1.3m).

Above: Pierre Hardy's collaborative Hermes Birkin: worth its weight in gold...and then some. Source: Fashionmagazine.com

Shop our range of Hermes Handbags.

#3: Lana Marks

A favourite of Helen Mirren, the ‘Queen Cleopatra’ is amongst the more understated and sophisticated pieces we have featured in our list. With a metallic silver alligator skin making up the entirety of the frame, the ornamental metalwork surrounding the clasp holds an impressive 1500 fully cut and faceted black and white diamonds housed within an 18 carat gold surround.

Above: Helen Mirren clutches her 'Queen Cleopatra' at a black tie event. Source: Bagbliss.com

Above: Helen Mirren clutches her 'Queen Cleopatra' at a black tie event. Source: Bagbliss.com

The bags are supposedly so exclusive that Marks only allows one high-profile star per year (since 2004) to be seen with the piece, which is valued at around £175,000 ($250,000). It is not known whether any A-listers actually own the piece, or whether it is just loaned for red carpet events.

#2: Judith Lieber

Renowned for her extravagant designs, particularly her ‘Cupcake Minaudiere’ accessory which was featured in the Sex & The City movie, Lieber pieces are as expensive as they are recognisable. Operating from just 4 boutiques in India, Indonesia, Singapore & Malaysia exclusivity is one element Lieber is well-known for.

One particular piece which caught headline attention and the imagination of handbag fanatics worldwide is the one off ‘Precious Rose’ handbag, a piece so ornate it would look better in a gallery than on an arm. The £64,000 ($92,000) decorated rose has an incredible 1016 diamonds totaling 42.56 carats, 1169 pink sapphires and 800 tourmalines. This evening purse must sparkle!

Above: A work of art, could you see yourself wearing Lieber's rose? Source: Bagbliss.com

#1: House of Mouwad

Mouwad’s ‘1001 Nights Diamond Purse’ which was formed in 2011, holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive handbag in history and took ten artisans more than 8,800 hours to make. The heart shape bag is currently valued at an astronomical and frankly ridiculous £1.65 million ($2.35m).

With a diamond embellished surface utilizing a variety of precious metals, Mouwad’s record breaker is certainly a sight to behold and another on our list which is probably more beautiful than functional. Imagine leaving it in a bar or having a leak inside! It’s the stuff of nightmares. We are guessing this handbag was never meant for purpose and should feature within an art gallery somewhere (and rightfully so).

We love it with all our heart (but will be waiting a while to afford one!). Source: Dailymailonline

Looking for something more within your price range?

If your budget doesn’t stretch to any of these astronomical prices, we have something more affordable. We stock a wide range of high-end designer pieces to suit all tastes and budgets and can even source one for you to your specification. View our collection of pre-owned designer handbags

 

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With so much choice out there, it is hard to narrow down which the best luxury handbag brands are. However, these are myGemma's top luxury handbag brands.

What's your designer handbag brand of choice? Does it feature on this list? Follow us on socials to share your opinion (@shopmygemma on all major social media platforms).

What Are The Top Luxury Handbag Brands Of 2022?

1. Hermès

What started out as a war orphan’s one-man bridle and harness-making shop now produces some of the world’s most sought-after designer handbags, led by the Birkin. 

The high price tags and strong resale value make them the top handbag investment piece. The exclusive nature and timeless designs have helped cement Hermès bags are some of the most covetable designs available today.

The Kelly: Designed as a luxury handbag and designated 'for the princesses of the world', and named after a real-life princess and owner, Grace of Monaco (née Grace Kelly).

The Constance: The perfect everyday shoulder bag, the Hermès Constance is an ideal, compact choice.

2. Chanel

Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel opened shop in Paris in 1910. The era's most famous Parisienne actresses flocked to her designs. Coco designed up until her death at 87. With bags such as the Classic Flap, the diamond quilting is synonymous with the maison.

The 2.55 Bag: Named for its creation date (February, 1955), this quilted luxury handbag introduced a leather-and-chain shoulder strap that allows the bag to be carried hands-free.

Classic Flap: This updated take on the 2.55 bag showcases two Chanel signatures: diamond quilting and the CC logo. 

3. Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton started out as a master trunk maker in Paris. His son George revolutionized luggage locks. Post-WWII saw the addition of leather purses to the house's line-up.

Neverfull Tote: The most popular Louis Vuitton bag, the Neverfull tote combines practicality with timeless style.

NéoNoé BB: One to add to your bucket list.

4. LOEWE

Over the last few years, LOEWE has catapulted to the top of luxury lovers’ wishlists. The Spanish fashion house is a triumph thanks to its expert craftsmanship, especially when it comes to leather goods.

Puzzle Bag: A masterpiece, the Puzzle bag combines asymmetric panels of leather into a shoulder bag silhouette.

Anagram Basket Tote: The ultimate summer bag, the Anagram Basket Tote bag is ideal for balmy days and trips to the beach. 

5. Gucci

Guccio Gucci admired the ritzy hotel guests he catered for. This led to a worldwide powerhouse of fashion and luxury goods. Gucci purses are often recognizable thanks to the signature Interlocking G motif.

The Jackie Bag: The first hobo bag, originally called the Fifties Constance, was renamed when a certain First Lady (Jackie Kennedy) developed an enduring fondness for it.

The GG Marmont: Two bags in one, thanks to its sliding chain strap, it can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody. The bag features signature the Double G hardware.

6. Prada

Prada's story began with two brothers: Mario and Martino Prada. The house was founded in 1913 as a leather goods shop. Today, Prada is recognized worldwide for its sleek and contemporary designs.

Prada Galleria Bag: Made from Prada's signature Saffiano leather.

Prada Re-Edition Bag: The signature Nylon bags, launched in the late '80s but synonymous with ‘90s fashion.

7. Saint Laurent

Yves Saint-Laurent founded his eponymous Parisian label in 1961. Saint Laurent is credited with making ready-to-wear fashion in vogue. 

Loulou Bag: Boasting chevron quilting, this bag is a marriage of a sleek details with a laid-back silhouette.

Sac De Jour: A roomy tote that makes any outfit look put together.

8. Dior

Christian Dior founded his namesake Parisian brand in 1946, with a desire to return beauty and joy to women after the solemn era of WWII. The brand continues to deliver exquisite style to this day.

Lady Dior Tote: The Lady Dior comes in a variety of sizes and always looks charming.

Saddle Bag: Reminiscent of its name and fashioned with Dior oblique embroidery and gold-finish metal hardware.  

9. Celine

In 1945, Celine Vipiana opened a small shop with a red elephant – which would become the brand symbol – on the rooftop. The shop has expanded into a recognized fashion label, known for its minimalist take on style.

Macadam: A combo of canvas and leather and gold-tone hardware. With the signature Celine Macadam pattern, front logo patch, and two top handles.

Triomphe Bag: The Triomphe has an embroidered textile exterior and a sleek leather trim. 

10. Burberry

This English company was founded by then 21-year-old former draper’s apprentice, Thomas Burberry. In 1879, he introduced gabardine fabric.

The 1920s saw the unveiling of the now ubiquitous Burberry checked print. Fittingly, the company’s Latin logo means 'Forward'.

Olympia Bag: Two-toned and saddle-shaped and made in Italy. It has a front zipped pocket.

Lola Bag: The Lola bag takes on the signature Burberry check and reinvents it in a stitched style.

11. Givenchy

Hubert de Givenchy founded the luxury fashion and goods company in 1952. Beautiful actress Audrey Hepburn served as a muse (and was a wearer of Givenchy fashions) for years.

The Antigone: A Givenchy cult favorite and very popular on the luxury handbag resale market.

Nightingale Bag: Considered one of Givenchy’s 'it' bags, this satchel’s name honors the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

12. Chloé

Founder Gaby Aghion envisaged selling luxury ready-to-wear when she opened her fashion house in Paris. Chloé is renowned for its equestrian-inspired, bohemian-leaning luxury designs.

Marcie Bag: This soft leather satchel bag has a jaunty tasseled front flap and Chloé’s signature bow buckles.

The Mini Flat Pouch bag: This small bag is punctuated with the brand’s signature ring detail for a recognizable look. 

Buy Designer Handbag For Less

Has one of the bags mentioned in this post caught your eye? Or is there another designer bag that tops your wishlist? Whichever designer bag is on your mind, myGemma has a wide selection of bags from the top designer brands.

From the Gucci Marmont to the Hermès Birkin, there is a bag for everyone. Keep an eye out of the New Arrivals section for new-in designs, or, download the myGemma app for first access.

Each and every bag on the myGemma website has been authenticated, so you can buy with confidence.

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