6 Most Expensive Handbag Styles in the World - Timeless Vintage | Pre Loved Designer Bags, Wallets and Accessories

With an iconic status, luxurious materials and expertly crafted form — this list charts some of the most expensive handbag styles in the world. Unlike the most expensive handbags ever created, this list unearths some of the most expensive handbag styles that are available to buy right now, whether brand new or from a more sustainable pre-loved and vintage luxury reseller.

From Chanel’s iconic 2.55 to a relatively new entry from Louis Vuitton, discover the most expensive handbag styles in the world.

1. Gucci Bamboo Top Handle Bag

Usually, a brand’s most expensive handbag style is entwined with a unique piece of fashion history, and the Gucci Bamboo is no different.

The Gucci Bamboo was created in 1947 after the Italian fashion brand Gucci became impacted by restrictions on leather availability. Bamboo was chosen as a handle replacement to save supplies and costs, yet it soon turned into one of the most iconic Gucci handbag styles.

A classic Gucci Bamboo is usually £3800+, however, Gucci frequently releases limited collections of the bag with unique colourways or embellishments that reach over £7000.

Gucci Bamboo Bag with dark bamboo handles and a unique floral print | Photo by Sailko on Wikimedia Commons

2. Chanel Large 2.55 Flap Bag

The Chanel Large 2.55 is the most expensive bag style from Chanel at over £8140 (on par with the Chanel Classic). The 2.55 is also the most iconic bag created by this French fashion powerhouse.

Designed by Coco Chanel in February 1955, its debut was an iconic Chanel moment in fashion history as it was the first women’s handbag to feature a shoulder strap.

One of the most expensive handbags ever created was the Chanel Diamond Forever handbag. 13 were created, each with alligator skin studded with diamonds and an 18-karat white gold chain.

Purple Chanel 2.55 worn by Kirsten Dunst as she walks with Karl Lagerfeld | Photo by Ashley Cooper on Flickr

3. Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag

Debuted in 2013, the Capucines bag is one of the youngest members on this high-priced list. With prices ranging from £4550 for a Capucines Mini bag to over £28,000 for a more exclusive design, it’s one of Louis Vuitton’s most expensive handbags.

4. Chanel Large Classic Flap Bag

With a retail estimate of £8140, the Chanel Large Classic Flap is one of the French fashion powerhouse’s most expensive handbag styles. The Classic flap bag was designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 1983. Interest in the brand had plateaued, so he revisited the iconic 2.55 bag and created a modernised version that paid homage to the original.

Flap bags are a signature part of the Chanel brand, so it’s no wonder both of these similar bag styles are the most expensive handbag styles in the world.

Light Pink Alligator Chanel Classic Flap Bag with silver hardware

5. Hermès Birkin Bag

The Hermès Birkin was designed on a flight from Paris to London and named in honour of Jane Birkin, who sat next to Hermès chief executive on that flight, and who inspired the creation of the bag.

It’s a timeless tote bag, that transcends fashion trends, decade after decade. The retail price is kept secret, adding to the mystery and allure that surrounds this covetable bag.

Even as a secondhand or pre-loved handbag, the Hermés Birkin can supposedly sell for almost 130% of its original retail price.

Dark Brown Birkin bag with silver detailing | Photo by Hiro – Kokoro☆Photo on Flickr

6. Hermès Kelly Bag

Another incredibly iconic Hermès handbag. The Kelly handbag is just as elusive as the Birkin. With an unknown retail price and an elusive purchasing process, this exclusivity of the Hermès Kelly raises its retail cost even further. Estimates place the largest Epsom Sellier Kelly handbag at over £12,000.