Famous Expensive Handbag Names: A Glossary of Luxury Bag Models

Luxury shoppers rarely say "a Hermès bag" or "a Chanel bag." They use model names: Birkin, Kelly, 2.55, Speedy. Knowing these expensive bag names makes it far easier to compare prices, read resale listings and understand what you are looking at. Below is a glossary of the most important expensive handbag names, grouped by brand, with a line on why each one matters.

Hermès Bag Names

• Birkin — launched in 1984 after a meeting between Hermès chief Jean-Louis Dumas and actress Jane Birkin. Two handles, a flap and a lock with a clochette.
• Kelly — a single-handle trapezoid bag that took its name from Grace Kelly in 1977 after she was photographed with it.
• Constance — a compact shoulder bag closed by a large H buckle.
• Picotin and Evelyne — simpler, more casual Hermès models that are easier to buy.

Chanel Bag Names

• 2.55 — named for February 1955, the month Coco Chanel introduced it. It uses a rectangular "Mademoiselle" lock.
• Classic Flap — Karl Lagerfeld's 1980s update with the CC turn-lock.
• Boy Bag — a boxier, more modern flap introduced in 2011.
• Chanel 19 and Chanel 22 — newer soft and hobo styles.

Louis Vuitton Bag Names

• Speedy — a compact duffel shape first made in 1930.
• Neverfull — a popular open tote with side cinch cords.
• Capucines — a leather top-handle bag named after the street of the first Louis Vuitton store in Paris.
• Alma — a domed bag inspired by Art Deco design.

Dior, Fendi and Gucci Bag Names

• Lady Dior — renamed in 1996 after Princess Diana carried it; known for cannage quilting and D.I.O.R. charms.
• Saddle — Dior's curved bag designed by John Galliano, relaunched in 2018.
• Baguette — Fendi's 1997 design by Silvia Venturini Fendi, carried under the arm like bread.
• Peekaboo — Fendi's structured bag whose front folds open.
• Jackie — Gucci's hobo named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
• Horsebit 1955 — a Gucci shoulder bag with equestrian hardware.

Other Expensive Name Brand Bags

Bag name	Brand	Known for
Puzzle	Loewe	Geometric panels that fold flat
Cassette	Bottega Veneta	Padded intrecciato weave
Saint Louis	Goyard	Lightweight chevron tote
Triomphe	Celine	Gold Triomphe clasp
Brillant	Delvaux	Structured Belgian classic from 1958
Margaux	The Row	Soft, logo-free leather tote

Why Bag Names Affect Price

A named model builds recognition over years, and recognition supports price. That is why a Birkin or a Classic Flap can cost several times more than another bag from the same house made from similar leather. It also explains why names are copied so often, so always check the seller when a famous name appears at a low price.

For more history on one of these icons, see the Kelly bag page on Wikipedia.

FAQ

What are the names of the most expensive designer purses?

The Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance, followed by the Chanel Classic Flap.

Which expensive bag name is easiest to buy?

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull and Speedy are widely available in boutiques and online.

Do bag names ever change?

Yes. The Lady Dior was first called Chouchou before it was renamed in 1996.