by Clutched.
From Paris with Authority
Paris holds its position at the centre of fashion not only through its runways but through the influence of its maisons on the most recognisable accessory of all, the handbag. LVMH’s Dior, Celine and Louis Vuitton continue to lead this conversation, defining how women engage with luxury brands. Each house brings a distinct vision that resonates far beyond Paris, setting the rhythm of what carries cultural weight in the world of bags today.
Dior
Christian Dior revolutionised post-war fashion with his 1947 “New Look” collection, which introduced nipped-in waists and full skirts to counter wartime austerity and restore feminine magnificence. Handbags soon became essential accessories, designed in the late 1940s to match the classic-cut dresses, and by the 1950s, they featured hallmarks like quilting and premium leathers. Through successive creative directors, from Yves Saint Laurent to Maria Grazia Chiuri since 2016, the line has maintained its heritage while adapting to modern tastes.
Iconic models like the 1995 Lady Dior, renamed after Princess Diana’s fondness for its boxy shape and stitching, and the 1999 Saddle Bag (revived in 2018 with fresh motifs such as embroidered peonies) have defined trends. Other standouts include the Diorama from 2015, the embroidered Book Tote from 2018, and the 1940s-inspired 30 Montaigne, often using lambskin, calfskin, or Oblique canvas. Dior’s bags are thought of as status symbols and investment items, influencing rivals and gaining celebrity backing from Grace Kelly to Rihanna, while embracing sustainability under Chiuri.
Shop Dior
Dior
Miss Caro Diorling Black Mini Bag with Chain – £2,000
Dior
Medium Dior Caro Black Bag – £3,400
Dior
Small Dior Black Leather Book Tote – £2,950
Dior
Small Dior Caro Latte Bucket Bag – £3,000
Dior
Lucky Medium Book Tote in Blue – £2,750
Céline
Established in 1945 by Céline Vipiana and her husband Richard as a Parisian children’s shoe shop, Céline pivoted to women’s fashion in the 1960s, introducing handbags that prioritised minimalist leathers. This evolution gained momentum under Michael Kors in the late 1990s, who added sporty American touches, and peaked with Phoebe Philo’s 2008-2018 tenure, where she defined “quiet luxury” through streamlined designs that eschewed logos for simplicity. Hedi Slimane’s direction since 2018 has layered in edgier, rock-influenced elements while maintaining the brand’s core value of quality.
Standout bags like the 2010 Luggage Tote, with its unique “face” and expandable sides, sparked the minimalist “It” bag era, echoed in collections from other labels. The 2011 Trapeze, featuring fold-out wings for adaptability, and the Trio crossbody with its compartmentalised form.
Shop Céline
Céline
Medium Boston Bag in Burgundy Calfskin – £1,950
Céline
Teen Nino Bag in Supple Calfskin in Black – £2,400
Céline
Cabas Triangle in Beige Raffia and Calfskin – £1,800
Céline
Shoulder Bag Camille 16 Soft in Smooth Calfskin in Black – £1,950
Céline
Clara Bag in Triomphe Canvas and Calfskin in Brown – £1,200
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854 by the eponymous French craftsman in Paris, began as a maker of innovative trunks designed for the era’s growing travel demands, using flat lids and waterproof canvas for practicality. After Louis’s death in 1892, his son Georges introduced the now-iconic LV monogram canvas in 1896, a floral-patterned motif created to combat counterfeiting and establish brand identity. This shift marked the brand’s expansion into handbags, and by the early 20th century, Vuitton bags symbolised status of personal style for the elite.
Key designs like the 1930 Speedy and the 2007 Neverfull tote have become cultural icons, adapting monogram patterns to modern needs while inspiring trends in logo-driven luxury. Under creative directors such as Marc Jacobs from 1997, who collaborated with artists like Takashi Murakami for vibrant reinterpretations, Vuitton handbags popularised the “It-bag” phenomenon, boosting resale markets and influencing rivals like Gucci to embrace bold branding.
Shop Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton
Reade PM Tote Bag in Blue – £2,046
Louis Vuitton
Pochette Louise Shoulder Bag in Silver – £1,807
Louis Vuitton
Vendome MM Tote Bag in Brown – £2,176
Louis Vuitton
Malibu Pochette Crossbody in Blue – £1,636
Louis Vuitton
Bella Bucket Bag in Beige – £3,100
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more iconic bags at 24S.com
Handbag Rotation Styling Guide
- Day-to-day: Pair Dior’s Book Tote or Caro Bag with tailored trousers and a soft cashmere sweater for work or casual city wear.
- Weekend refinement: Let Celine’s Cabas Triangle or Triomphe canvas bags complement linen dresses, straight-leg jeans, or minimalist ankle boots.
- Evening or statement moments: Louis Vuitton’s Reade PM or Vendome MM carries a sharp leather jacket, midi skirt, and pointed heels with confidence.
- Colour coordination: Burgundy and deep neutrals anchor your look effortlessly, while classic black or beige handbags offer a grounding touch for seasonal rotations.
- Mixing textures: Combine smooth leathers, raffia, or canvas for visual interest without overwhelming your outfit.
Have you seen the lastest East-West handbag trend, or are you more into Oversized bags instead?
