When thinking of a designer handbag, many have the preconception that it comes with a high price tag. But what if we let you in on the secret that there is a way to get your hands on a desirable piece without breaking the bank?

Whether it’s your first time making a big fashion purchase or you’re simply craving a new accessory to add to your ever-expanding collection, stepping on the designer handbag ladder doesn't have to cost a fortune.

We are bringing you a guide of high quality and in-demand bags that will not only add to your stylish wardrobe but also diversify your investment portfolio. Our carefully curated list of bags under £1,000 are the perfect gateway purchases to owning a luxury handbag.

Louis Vuitton 

Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton was established as a luggage business in Paris at 4 Rue Neuve des Capucines. Known as one of the most recognised luxury brands in the world, Louis Vuitton is synonymous with high-end leather goods and its notable monogram design. 

Why is a Louis Vuitton bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

Louis Vuitton proves that you don’t need to spend big to get your hands on a forever piece. By starting your investment collection with pieces such as the Double Zip Pochette or Mini Pochette Accessories, you’ll be able to enjoy your first gateway purchase with a less hefty price tag. 

Louis Vuitton bags under £1,000

• Louis Vuitton Double Zip Pochette £940
• Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Accessoires £515

Louis Vuitton Bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Fendi

Founded in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the brand remained family-owned until getting acquired by luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH in 1999. Renowned for its fur and leather atelier, Fendi’s craftsmanship and innovation showcase luxury and affluence. 

Why is a Fendi bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

From the signature Baguette bag to other iconic designs throughout the years, Fendi has gained what can only be described as a cult following. In terms of resale, no matter what design or what year, there will always be more than one person on the hunt to get their hands on a Fendi bag. With Fendi producing re-editions of their popular older styles, people are looking to the vintage market for a way to get their hands on the most in demand pieces.

Fendi bags under £1,000

• Fendi Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag £815
• Fendi Mon Tresor Black Leather Mini Bag £930

Bottega Veneta

An expression of high quality, discreet elegance, and fine craftsmanship, Bottega Veneta bags are at the top of every IT girl’s wishlist. The Bottega bags have undoubtedly become a street-style must have, frequently spotted on the streets of Paris, New York and London. 

Why is a Bottega Veneta Bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

Amazing quality leather, impressive design and a reasonable price tag. Do we need to say more? Bottega Veneta has always been appreciated for these qualities, but since Daniel Lee’s entrance in 2019, the brand has skyrocketed to new heights, becoming one of the hottest bag makers out there. Given their very high demand, the Bottega bags do not only look amazing, but also have great resale value.

Bottega Veneta bags under £1,000

• Bottega Veneta Cassette Mini Leather Wallet £910
• Bottega Veneta Arco Mini Rubber Tote £715
• Bottega Veneta Cassette Mini Leather Bucket Bag £640

Bottega Veneta Bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Celine

Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, Celine is a French luxury brand that is known for its minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic. Now under creative direction of the revolutionary French designer Hedi Slimane, Celine combines couture with classic crafted leather goods. 

Why is a Celine Bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

The high-quality leathers, such as calfskin which is widely used by Celine, mean their handbags' durability is second to none. With the right upkeep, they hold their pristine condition for many years post purchase. One of their most desired bags at the moment is the Mini Triomphe, which wonderfully enough can be snapped up for under 1,000!

Celine bags under £1,000

• Celine Mini Triomphe in Shiny Calfskin Black £890
• Celine Mini Besace in Triomphe Canvas & Calfskin Tan £920

Celine bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Balenciaga

Known for their wide array of stylish bags, Balenciaga makes it easy to choose a piece which suits your style perfectly. From the unexpected and creative like the Lay’s inspired clutch (yes, as in the crisps!) featured in their most recent SS23 show, to classic staples such as their Cabas and Bistro Basket totes - Balenciaga never fails to supply us with bags that we’ll happily add to our carts.

Why is a Balenciaga Bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

Even when the next groundbreaking design is released by Balenciaga, their old designs remain in style. Their totes are the perfect everyday essential, available in many sizes, shapes and colors. The Cabas XS Tote and the XXS Bistro Basket Tote, both under £1,000, are perfect for lunch in the city with girlfriends, a weekend stroll in the park or when running errands. If small bags aren’t your cup of tea, the Everyday Medium Leather Tote might be a more attractive option for you, being spacious enough to fill with all your essentials. With high-quality leathers and notable durability, a Balenciaga is a treasure you’ll cherish forever. 

Balenciaga bags under £1,000

• Balenciaga Cabas XS tote £725
• Balenciaga everyday medium leather tote £975
• Balenciaga XXS Bistro Basket tote bag £750

Gucci 

Starting as an Italian leather goods manufacturer in 1921, focusing mainly on horseback-riding gear, Gucci has had a long journey to the brand it is today, with the brand striving to be classy but creative, cool and fun; a true mix between the past and the present.

Why is a Gucci bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

Since 2015, the new designer Alessandro Michele has led to Gucci’s resurgence in popularity by embracing Y2K style. Logomania is one of Gucci’s specialties, with its iconic GG logo being featured frequently in the brand’s most popular designs. 

Gucci bags under £1,000

• Gucci Ophidia GG Mini Bag £730
• Gucci GG Marmont Half-moon-shaped Mini Bag £975
• Gucci Padlock Mini Bag £935

Jacquemus

Established in 2009 by Simon Porte Jacquemus, the brand is an ode to his late mother. The self-taught designer took the fashion world by storm since its inception, showcasing designs that are stylish yet original and effortlessly cool. Taking inspiration from the romantic capital, Paris, the brand concept is quintessentially French but with a modern twist. 

Why is a Jacquemus bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

Jacquemus bags have dominated our Instagram feed for a while now, and we don’t see them going anywhere soon with new styles of the popular bags frequently being launched. Eye catching design, high quality leathers, and stunning colors - the Jacquemus bags are the essence of fun you will not regret investing in.

Jacquemus bags under £1,000

• Jacquemus Le Chiquito Long Tote Bag £510
• Jacquemus Le Chiquito Top-Handle Bag £535

Jacquemus Bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Saint Laurent

Founded in 1961 by Algerian French Yves Saint Laurent, the fashion house introduced a celebration of gender fluidity throughout his designs. A fearless approach to blurring the lines, Saint Laurent created one of the most celebrated fashion houses of the 20th century. Many consider Saint Laurent to be one of the most influential designers of the modern era, making this one of the top luxury brands out there. 

Why is a Saint Laurent bag under £1,000 a good investment? 

There can be no doubt that it doesn’t get more classic than a Saint Laurent bag. Whilst many fashion trends are here today and gone tomorrow, Saint Laurent bags do stand the test of time. A few staple pieces for every occasion we adore includes, the LE 5 À 7 Mini Hobo Bag, Small Loulou Puffer Clutch or Rive Gauche Tote Bag. 

Saint Laurent bags under £1,000

• Saint Laurent LE 5 À 7 Mini Hobo Bag £980
• Saint Laurent Small Loulou Puffer Clutch £710
• Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Tote Bag £975

Saint Laurent Bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Valentino Garavani 

Launched in Rome during the 1960s, Valentino Garavani has been making an impact in the fashion industry ever since. High quality materials and astonishing colors (remember their all pink collection?) - this brand never fails to leave us impressed. 

Why is a Valentino Garavani bag under £1,000 a good investment?

The Valentino bags are instantly recognisable, especially their rockstud styles. The Rockstud Crossbody Bag and the Rockstud Leather Mini Bag are both incredibly versatile and stylish. Whether you’re looking to look elegant for a night out or professional for a business lunch, you will find it suits any occasion.

Valentino bags under £1,000

• Valentino Garavani Rockstud Crossbody Bag £890
• Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather Mini Bag £870

Valentino Bags Under £1,000 Available on Sellier

Feeling inspired to make your gateway purchase into a beautiful designer bag?

Shop our bags under £1,000 here.