From Hermès Kelly to modern East-West bags — we understand which silhouettes stand the test of time and why they remain in the center of fashionable attention for years

PHOTO: OFFICIAL BRAND WEBSITES, GETTY IMAGES
UPDATED ON: 19 JUNE 2026 ELLE MAGAZINE

In fashion, the word “investment” has long ceased to mean only a potential increase in value on resale platforms. Much more often it is about something else — the ability of a thing to stay relevant regardless of the change of seasons, trends and designer debuts. This is especially true for bags.

It is significant that most of the models that are now considered iconic were created decades ago. Chanel Classic Flap appeared back in 1955, Lady Dior became a symbol of the 1990s, and Hermès Kelly survived more than one generation of fashionistas. They all have something in common: their popularity is determined not by trends, but by design that does not require constant rethinking.

So which models can really be considered an investment in your own wardrobe in 2026?

Structured top-handle bag

If there is a silhouette that depends least on fashion cycles, it is a structured bag with a short handle and a clear geometry.

This category includes Hermès Kelly, Lady Dior, Delvaux Brillant, Valextra Iside and Prada Galleria. Despite the different nature of these models, they are all built on a similar principle: architectural form, high-quality materials and a minimum of decorative elements that could quickly become obsolete.

Such bags easily adapt to changes in the wardrobe. They look equally organic with a classic suit, denim or summer dress, so they rarely end up in the category of things that you want to replace after one season.

Laconic shoulder bag

Over the past few years, the fashion industry has experienced a fascination with both microbags and hypertrophied by large models. However, every time after another experiment, it returns to simple and functional forms.

That is why the shoulder bag remains one of the most stable formats on the accessories market. This category includes Gucci Jackie, Fendi Baguette, Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 and The Row models, which have already become a kind of standard of modern minimalism.

Their advantage lies in the absence of excesses. The fewer logos, complex decor and trendy details, the longer the bag will be relevant.

Roomy leather tote

Despite regular predictions of the return of small bags, large touts continue to maintain their positions. The reason is obvious: they correspond to the real lifestyle of a modern woman.

Among the most famous examples are Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Celine Cabas, The Row Park Tote and the Loro Piana models. They are all built around functionality, not instant visual effect.

Unlike accessories created for photos on social networks, high-quality tote rarely loses its relevance. It remains appropriate in the office, and when traveling, and in everyday city wardrobe.

East-West bag

The elongated horizontal silhouette has become one of the most notable accessory trends of recent seasons. But unlike many fleeting trends, it has every chance to gain a foothold for a long time.

The fact is that this form is not fundamentally new for fashion. It was addressed to different years by Prada, Miu Miu, Alaïa and Khaite, and today she is undergoing another rethinking.

That is why the East-West bag can be considered not as a short-term fashion fad, but as a modern interpretation of the classic silhouette.

Bags without logos

If the last ten years have taught us something in the field of accessories, it is that models whose design is not built around a recognizable logo are the best.

The popularity of brands like The Row, Métier, Savette or Valextra only confirms this trend. Today, more and more buyers are paying attention to the quality of the leather, design and proportions of the product, rather than how noticeable its origin is.

That is why the so-called quiet design has a much better chance of remaining relevant in five years than an accessory created around the fashion hype.

What to look for before buying

When it comes to a really successful investment, a brand often turns out to be less important than the item itself. A good bag is primarily high-quality leather, thoughtful construction and design that is not tied to a specific season.

That is why, along with large fashion houses, less well-known Italian brands are increasingly attracting attention, which continue to work in the tradition of artisanal production.

One such example is the Marco Castelli Collection. The Agape model demonstrates features that usually distinguish long-cycle accessories: a restrained silhouette, architectural form, genuine leather and the absence of details that could quickly become obsolete. It does not claim to be an instant fashion hit, but it meets the modern demand for things that remain relevant regardless of the change of trends.

Marco Castelli

After all, the best investment in fashion is not the bag that everyone urgently adds to their wishlists today. It is a bag that you will be happy to wear in both five and 10 years.