The Designer Bags That Were Everywhere in 2019

There's very little that unites the vast array of beautiful designer handbags for 2019 apart from the fact they are, indeed, beautiful designer handbags. These days, rather than one overarching silhouette or finish leading the charge for all bags everywhere, you'll find that each high-fashion brand has the style that most suits its unique aesthetic. So forget the notion that only satchels can be stylish when shoulder bags are out, or that bucket drawstring totes are the only thing to be seen carrying. Trust us—there's a deluxe bag out there for everyone.

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

If you like your investments to be loud, flashy and conspicuous, it's likely you'll be drawn to Fendi's new embellished Baguettes. If you're still adhering to the Phoebe Philo school of hushed luxury, Chloé's simple shoulder bag may become your new go-to thanks to its minimal detailing and chic "C" logo. It looks like the interest in backpacks has waned slightly, and clutches continue have grown in popularity thanks to Bottega Veneta, but the runways of A/W 19 played host to a wide array of new ideas if you're looking for something subtle but unusual.

Keep reading to discover the chief designer bags that ruled 2019 and then shop a few.

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BOTTEGA VENETA: POUCH
(Image credit: Getty)

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Bottega Veneta this year thanks to the new creative director Daniel Lee, who debuted two new bags for the house, the Maxi and the Pouch. This oversized slouchy clutch bag was a real hit at fashion month—especially the stone colour Pernille Teisbaek is carrying above. Since then celebs have taken to it (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in particular), and it's been nearly impossible to find them in stock. 

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JACQUEMUS: LE CHIQUITO
(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Barely a bag, struggling to even be a purse, somehow the world's teeniest, tiniest mini tote from Jacquemus proved to be a big smash. Le Chiquitos sell out as soon as they drop online and have a following that expands way beyond the UK and Europe—this is Instagram and collectable fashion fodder as it's most ironic, and that's before we get to the necklace version. They're near impossible to find now, but you can shop other Jacquemus bags here.

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CHLOÉ: C BAG
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Chloé's new bag, the C, might be our favourite of the Parisian's brands many It bags to date. Featuring a jumbo "C" on the front (how'd you guess?), this elegant new range includes flap-fronted messengers, shoulder bags and clutches in all of those sumptuous, earthy colours you'd associate with a catwalk full of #ChloéGirls.

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FENDI: BAGUETTE BAG
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Finally, our prayers have been answered. The Baguette is back with a big, loud bang. Whether rendered in denim with fluoro stitching or embellished up to its eyeballs in beading or gold velvet, these new Baguettes are not for the shy and retiring. Fashion girls everywhere have been snapping up secondhand versions, but now that the brand is re-releasing them, there's a chance to grab a box-fresh version all over again.

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PRADA: SIDONIE BAG
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tapping into that '90s nostalgia for teeny-tiny shoulder bags, Prada has created the ultimate option for a girl in 2019: the Sidonie. It comes in a vast range of colours and colour-blocked options, with the primary brights looking particularly spectacular both on and off the runway. This style has started for cruise 2019 but continues on into the spring/summer collections, and I have a feeling it will become a collector's item of the future.

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MULBERRY: KEELEY BAG
(Image credit: Who What Wear)

Mulberry's chain-fastened Keeley bag has proven to be a hit inside the Who What Wear office, particularly in the more adventurous colours and finishes, like this dreamy blue. You can get it in multiple sizes (but even the small one can carry a lot), and we're also keen on the lizard print as well as the more crafty woven styles.

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DIOR: SADDLE BAG
(Image credit: @thefashionguitar)

Following a huge comeback in 2018, it's no wonder that Dior's Saddle bag came out in many new versions this year as well as more of the classic styles you'll know and love. From the instantly recognisable Oblique monogrammed shoulder bag to fresher styles in mini and midi sizes with jazzed-up, embellished straps, there's a Saddle for all—if you've got the money to burn. J'adior, indeed.

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BY FAR: RACHEL BAG
(Image credit: @monikh)

There's no end to the '90s revivals on planet fashion, but this little bag has to be the chicest part of the comeback overall. The Rachel bag from accessories label By Far has been picked up by literally every influencer going and spawned many a copycat on the high street. It's been hard work tracking down both the plain tan version and its mock-croc iteration, as those two finishes have been the most popular of all, but there are more coming to By Far's website soon.

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LOUIS VUITTON: NEW WAVE BAG
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As seen on the runways and an elite selection of celebrities (such as Chloë Grace Moretz and Elle Fanning), Louis Vuitton's curvy New Wave bag is now being constantly redesigned as part of the heritage brand's The Icons collection. There are many colourways from the latest drop, but I have to admit I'm a sucker for the really OTT printed and monogrammed versions, like the option below.

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LOEWE: BASKET BAGS
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Last summer, Loewe saw a great deal of success with its jumbo, super-luxe leather logo basket bags—no influencer holiday was complete without one. Creative director Jonathan Anderson has wisely taken this popular style and developed on it even further for S/S 19. You'll find new versions with cool handle detailing (like the chain option above), alternative straw weaves and even raffia take on the brand's street style–adored Gate bag.

Related: 6 Ankle-Boot Trends My Stylish Friends Will Wear in 2019

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GUCCI: ARLI BAG
(Image credit: Courtesy of Gucci)

There are so many coveted styled in Gucci's handbag famiglia that it can be hard to keep up. All the pieces that have been created under Alessandro Michele still stand up as worthwhile investment pieces, but if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you need to know about the horse-bit adorned collection of Zumi handbags. They're inspired by a Gucci bag from the 1960s, and you'll find it in different styles, from this neat crossbody to more elaborate totes.

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CELINE: TRIOMPHE BAG
(Image credit: Getty Images)

From the first Celine collection of new creative director Hedi Slimane comes a different era for the French brand's accessories department. His designs are sturdier and fiercer. Take this already celebrity-endorsed Triomphe bag as a prime example of what we're talking about.

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PACO RABANNE: ICONIC CHAIN BAG
(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

As the brand buyers have been raving about (they all fell head over heels for the spring 2019 show), you'll start to see the Paco Rabanne more from here on out. Signature chainmail from the '60s is being reworked for the modern age, and every cool girl is trying to get her hands on the silver or gold Iconic bags. 

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ELLEME: RAISIN AND BAOZI BAGS
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)

I was pleased as punch when I managed to get hold of a Baozi bag from new French handbag brand Elleme before they were available in the UK. It was still relatively unknown at the beginning of the year, but thanks to Instagram, these little beauties have become a cult hit among the style set. The circular handle and raffia finish make both trending pieces instantly recognisable, but there are many different iterations to discover in their full collection. FYI, the Baozi is a slightly smaller version of the Raisin.

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JW ANDERSON: KEYTS BAG
(Image credit: Style Stalker)

JW Anderson's key bag for S/S 19 was the Keyts, a classic leather shoulder bag with an interesting gold lock and key fastening on the flap.

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BURBERRY: TB BAG
(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

Burberry's leather TB crossbody bag is bound to become a new classic. It's an elegant and timeless shape, and the TB monogram is a nod to the founder Thomas Burberry. It was designed by the English graphic designer Peter Saville.

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BOYY: KARL BAG
(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Boyy's cute oversized-buckle design isn't necessarily anything new for 2019, but ever since Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, we've seen them everywhere. The most recent spot was at London Fashion on Jessie Bush of We the People Style. 

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SHRIMPS: ANTONIA
(Image credit: Style Stalker)

This bag has spawned, what feels like, a million replicas. From the high street to other luxury brands, it seems like Shrimps' bag has influenced so many. But the original will always be the best. Snap up one of the coloured versions for a fresher take on this pretty It bag. 

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BOTTEGA VENETA: THE ARCO BAG
(Image credit: Style Stalker)

It's not just the clutch bag and the shoes that everyone in fashion is desperate to get their hands on. There's also the Arco bag. A more practical bag, but still very chic, it will make every outfit you wear it with look riche

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LOEWE: HAMMOCK BAG
(Image credit: Style Stalker )

Cute but with Loewe's trademark craftsmanship merging art with fashion, this is one for the cool street style set. 

Next up, your guide to all the 2019 shoe trends.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was hired to launch a UK sister site and social channels, localise content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 15 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times and MatchesFashion.com, among many others.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy toddler and highly Instagrammable cat.