When considering the high-end designer handbags that affluent women favor, does “Hermes” immediately come to mind? It’s a well-known fact that Hermes is a top choice among wealthy individuals, often seen as the pinnacle of the handbag world.
Yet, in recent years, with younger women embracing diverse and fashionable styles, many affluent Millennials and Gen Z’ers have expanded beyond solely carrying Hermes bags on their outings.
What’s even more noteworthy is their aspiration to showcase their distinctive personalities and style while highlighting their financial prowess.
Take, for example, the Chanel 22, a beloved designer bag among the younger affluent generations. It successfully combines a cool and casual aura while retaining Chanel’s consistent elegance. This bag became a sensation upon its release, sparking a significant trend in the handbag industry, with everyone clamoring for oversized bags!
Of course, everyone has their own preferences and style inclinations. Some lean towards trendy and cool designs, while others gravitate towards artistic and understated elegance.
In today’s article, I’ve categorized and compiled handbags into two primary styles that the young affluent demographic adores. Take a look and see if your tastes align with this affluent class!
TRENDY & COOL
SAINT LAURENT
The Saint Laurent Icare has become a representation of the luxury brand that resonates with the fashion-forward rich. Many stylish young women are captivated by its allure.
With its oversized body and unique design featuring diamond-patterned detailing, it balances elegance with boldness and a casual vibe. The massive YSL Cassandre metal logo captures the essence of Yves Saint Laurent – carefree and rebellious!
This edgy oversized bag is a revolutionary design in the handbag world.
Moreover, its price tag is jaw-dropping, with a whopping $4,900 (Black, Beige-$5,600), making it one of the most expensive bags in the Saint Laurent collection! Those who acquire it are daring fashionistas with deep pockets who are unafraid to experiment with unique styles.
The Icare’s popularity is soaring, breaking barriers and attracting more young individuals interested in its allure.
Aside from its eye-catching design, the Icare offers impressive capacity, suitable for daily use or as a travel companion at the airport, showcasing both practicality and a fashionable, confident attitude!
VALENTINO
Valentino seems to have a knack for capturing the hearts of fashion-conscious women, with handbags, shoes, clothing, and accessories that resonate.
In the handbag department, the recently launched Rockstud23 flap bag stands out! Its square-shaped body adorned with the brand’s iconic stud elements breaks away from traditional elegance, combining coolness and empowerment.
The exquisite calf leather adds a solid and luxurious texture to the bag.
The bag comes with an adjustable leather shoulder strap, allowing it to be worn as a crossbody or transformed into a trendy shoulder bag – versatile for various occasions and effortlessly stylish while retaining sophistication.
The Rockstud23 flap bag is available in two practical sizes, with even the smaller size comfortably accommodating an iPhone Pro Max.
Perfect for daily style, it’s both impressive and functional.
LOUIS VUITTON
The Louis Vuitton Side Trunk is another highly sought-after bag! It features the iconic hard trunk structure, elevating its luxurious appeal compared to typical monogram bags.
Its combination of a structured exterior and a soft body strikes a balance between toughness and casualness.
While the Side Trunk may not be the most expensive bag in the Louis Vuitton lineup, with a price tag of $3,800, it’s still far from affordable. Those investing in the Side Trunk are mostly affluent women unburdened by budget constraints.
The Side Trunk’s popularity also stems from its practicality, with a spacious capacity suitable for various needs. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or converted into a crossbody with a longer shoulder strap, offering incredible versatility.
Not to mention, it features Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram design, exuding a timeless and classic appeal.
ARTISTIC & UNDERSTATED
BOTTEGA VENETA
The new generation of Bottega Veneta, with intricate woven designs, evokes an understated luxury reminiscent of “old money.” It exudes sophistication with a subtle artistic aura that deserves appreciation.
The Sardine, a prime example, showcases the brand’s essence. Its intricately woven body paired with a brass handle in the shape of a sardine creates an elegant and luxurious appearance with a touch of artistic flair.
The smooth metallic handle fits perfectly in your hand, catching the light like captivating jewelry. Even when paired with a simple white T-shirt and jeans, it adds brilliance to the overall look.
It suggests the owner possesses excellent taste in selecting accessories, being both fashionable and showcasing a unique personality.
The new Bottega Veneta woven bags come with a significant price tag, the Sardine priced at $4,200. Those able to afford it possess exquisite taste and considerable financial resources.
DIOR
The Dior Key bag, in the world of handbags, stands as an elegant and understated design. Its rounded yet angular silhouette and delicate double handles evoke a vintage charm reminiscent of glamorous actresses from yesteryears.
Without any flashy elements, it’s understated, with only a small CD logo as an accent. However, its luxurious quality is hard to miss.
The Dior Key is not among Dior’s most affordable bags, priced at $4,900. It now comes in two options: the Oblique Jacquard and the full leather version.
The Oblique design, combined with its classic silhouette, exudes a strong vintage vibe, making it more recognizable at first glance.
The full leather version embraces a discreet and sophisticated aesthetic. Smooth leather with subtle sheen under natural light instantly elevates one’s overall demeanor with casual carry.
THE ROW
The Row’s commitment to minimalist design aesthetics has gained significant popularity lately. It appeals to the fashion-conscious who appreciate simplicity and elegance.
The Margaux, a standout piece, combines understated luxury and The Row’s signature minimalist and cool style. With its voluminous and structured silhouette paired with supple leather, it exudes a natural sense of grace and confidence. Effortlessly casual yet carrying a strong presence.
The use of neutral colors, a trademark of The Row, enhances the feeling of understated luxury. Holding one gives a comforting sense of ease and relaxation.
More importantly, The Row’s bags lack visible logos, giving the impression that those carrying these bags value personal style over brand recognition. Selective and carrying only bags they genuinely desire, they embody a whole new way of life for these economically liberated women.
That’s the overview of popular bags loved by rich Millennials and Gen Z’ers.
Which of these bags do you believe best embodies your impression of affluent women today? Are there other bags that, upon seeing them, make you think the women carrying them must be well-off?
