These Will Be the Most Covetable Bags Of 2019
Words by Jody Hume |
12.27.18
If there’s anything we know for sure, it’s that It bags made a significant comeback this year. Dior Saddles seemingly popped up out of nowhere. The Fendi FF logo rose from the ashes and made its way onto every conceivable type of handbag. Gabriela Hearst’s elegant Nina was seen on Meghan Markle, and instantly went from insider favorite to must-have handbag du jour. But what’s next for 2019? Based on the expertise of our own Handbag Valuation Manager Kiara Cooper, plus insider data on the resale trends of 2018, we’ve pulled together our predictions for the bags that everyone will want to get their hands on next year. Read on and discover the pieces you’ll be adding to your shopping cart ASAP.
The Chloé Roy Bucket Bag
Bucket bags are back, although they never really went anywhere. There’s been a 79% increase in demand for bucket bags since last year, and the Chloé Roy is the perfect new piece to fill that bucket bag void. “Chloé has a reputation for two things: creative directors who turn into superstars (Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo) and its long list of It bags,” says Cooper. “Classics range from the Paddington and Marcie to the Faye and Drew, and if the Roy is anything like Chloé’s bags of the past, it’s sure to be a hit in 2019.”
Paired with the recently revived horse motif from Chloé’s archives, the revamped house code adds a fresh heritage allure. The Roy’s wide detachable strap and mini handle allow for a quick crossbody-to-evening-bag change, and the interior pouch-like compartment with drawstring closure will keep everything inside safe and sound.
The bag you can trade out in its place for 2019? “Interest in the Nile bag has dropped as Chloé devotees begin to flock to the brand’s new offerings,” says Cooper. “Chloé’s newer bags retain a high resale value, though, so sell the Nile, upgrade to the Roy and enjoy the added interior space and functionality.”
Jacquemus Le Sac Chiquito
Jacquemus is one of the buzzier designers that reached a new level of covetability this year. The brand shows no signs of slowing down in 2019, especially when it comes to mini bags like the Le Sac Chiquito. “Jacquemus is known for playing with classic silhouettes, which is why the Le Sac Chiquito will endure,” says Cooper. “Those ahead of the curve snagged this bag during the summer, and now the rest of the world is catching up.”
Simon Porte Jacquemus founded his eponymous label in 2009, and earned a special LVMH Prize in 2015. His bags’ artsy aesthetic, bite-size nature and bold colors have fueled their rise to fame. “Despite being one of the most sought-after and current styles, Jacquemus’ Le Sac Chiquito feels like it could be an archival piece,” muses Cooper. “It is the mini bag to rival all mini bags.”
As you welcome the Le Sac Chiquito into your life, say goodbye to the Cult Gaia Ark bag. “Cult Gaia’s Ark will forever be a summer go-to, but I believe it’s reached its peak,” says Cooper. “Consign your Cult Gaia and replace it with a Jacquemus piece that’s just as visually pleasing, if not more so.”
Prada Saffiano Mini Crossbody Bag
Prada has been angling to make a resurgence, and it’s finally paid off — searches for the brand have increased by 15% over the last month. Those looking for something that feels both luxe and unexpected will find their match with Prada’s Saffiano Mini Crossbody. Crafted in durable crosshatched Saffiano leather and featuring a poppy graphic logo, Prada’s crossbody appeals to longtime fans of the brand and streetwear-loving millennials alike.
“Prada has been around since 1913 and has continued to intrigue the fashion world for over a hundred years,” says Cooper. “In the ‘90s and ‘00s, the minimalist and functional nylon Vela backpack was one of the most notable bags of its time. And after a bit of a decline in demand, Prada has put itself back on the map.”
If you find yourself a bit fatigued by the ubiquitous GG Marmont collection, exchange your Gucci for Prada. “What made the GG Marmont crossbody bags so beloved was their ease and initial wow factor,” says Cooper. “With the Prada Crossbody, you get the practicality but with a fresher logo. Plus, Gucci’s GG Marmont bags have an incredibly high resale value, so if you consign, it’ll be the chicest return-on-investment ever.”
By Far Leather Ball Tote
By Far has been on the scene with chic shoes since 2016, but its handbags are a more recent addition to the brand’s offerings. Perhaps that’s why By Far’s geometric Leather Ball Tote will be everywhere next year. “By Far’s handbags are less than six months old,” says Cooper, “but they’ve been so consistently in demand that I believe their allure will continue straight through next year.”
The vintage allure of By Far’s refined shoes and bags speaks to the current appetite for ‘90s nostalgia, and throwbacks to bygone eras are always in fashion. “By Far’s Mini Croc bag hit all the trends of this past fall — handheld, miniature and embossed leather,” says Cooper. “This tote embodies all of the traits from the previous winner, while featuring a unique spin on the top handle bag.”
Part with a similar minimalist style from Staud that’s on its way out — the Bissett bag. “Swap your Staud for the cool-girl By Far tote while you can still earn a high resale value for it,” advises Cooper. “It’s best to consign trendy bags before they begin to decline.”
Louis Vuitton Reverse Monogram Square Bag
Louis Vuitton handbags are always iconic, especially when the monogram is involved. For 2019, the Reverse Monogram Square Bag is guaranteed to be equal parts classic and of-the-moment. “When Nicolas Ghesquière came to Louis Vuitton, he introduced a new gang of handbags that breathed life into the storied maison,” says Cooper. “While he’s well-known for recent favorites like the Petite Malle and the New Wave bag, the Square Bag is just as compelling.”
Logomania is a phenomenon with staying power, further bolstering the heritage house. “The Reverse Monogram Bag brings a twist to the classic monogram we all know and love,” notes Cooper. “Its unique shape was inspired by a vanity case, and it’s much more spacious than its other mini It bag counterparts. Plus, the unique colorway of the reverse monogram is incredibly difficult to find in stores or online. You’ll definitely see Louis Vuitton fans everywhere coveting this chic option.”
If you’re looking to trade Louis for Louis, consign the Petite Boite Chapeau for the Reverse Monogram Square Bag. “Both possess silhouettes reminiscent of Louis Vuitton’s travel items,” says Cooper, “but the coveted reverse monogram frequently lists over retail in the resale market. With such a high initial demand, I’d estimate that the resale value won’t dip under 80 to 90% over the next year.”
