High quality leather backpack online UK store: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel opened shop in Paris in 1910. The era’s most famous Parisienne actresses flocked to her designs. Coco designed up until her death at 87. With bags such as the Classic Flap, the diamond quilting is synonymous with the maison. The 2.55 Bag: Named for its creation date (February, 1955), this quilted luxury handbag introduced a leather-and-chain shoulder strap that allows the bag to be carried hands-free. Classic Flap: This updated take on the 2.55 bag showcases two Chanel signatures: diamond quilting and the CC logo. Guccio Gucci admired the ritzy hotel guests he catered for. This led to a worldwide powerhouse of fashion and luxury goods. Gucci purses are often recognizable thanks to the signature Interlocking G motif. The Jackie Bag: The first hobo bag, originally called the Fifties Constance, was renamed when a certain First Lady (Jackie Kennedy) developed an enduring fondness for it. The GG Marmont: Two bags in one, thanks to its sliding chain strap, it can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody. The bag features signature the Double G hardware. Find even more information at https://www.penshop.co.uk/pens/leather-bags/leather-briefcases.

If you’re open to spending a bit more on luxury luggage, the Rimowa Original Cabin is a stellar choice. Though it’s not expandable, this suitcase has a solid capacity while still meeting carry-on size requirements for most airlines. We used it for a four-day trip and easily fit several outfits and multiple pairs of shoes inside. An interior zippered compartment would be nice, but we like how the dividers help keep everything in place. Our favorite thing about the Original Cabin is its sleek, futuristic design. But, despite the high-end appearance, you could probably drop it out of a second-story window without worrying about damage, and any natural dents and scrapes are a badge of honor for frequent travelers. Thanks to the smooth wheels, we had no problem rolling this suitcase over floors, pavement, and even cobblestone. It’s not the lightest carry-on, but it’s also not as heavy as the aluminum shell makes it look — and we could easily hoist it into an overhead bin when packed full. Lastly, Rimowa backs each purchase with a lifetime guarantee — just make sure you register your suitcase as soon as you receive it.

How do I choose a designer bag? If you are thinking of splurging on a new designer bag, then it is definitely worth considering a style that will stand the test of time, rather than just a one-season wonder that will eventually end up gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe. For this, the best option is either to look to the classics – some of which may have had a modern makeover, but are still very much trend-free – or to snap up designs that have an endless elegance about them (think timeless colours, seasonless silhouettes and trusty fabrics). When it comes to affordable designer handbags, APC is a great name to know. The label’s Half Moon bag is a real classic, but we also love this Grace style, which is perfect for day-to-day use.

One side of the trunk has three built-in dividers that you can snap into place or remove if you are carrying something large and would prefer one big, open cabin. After using the compartments to organize your clothing, you can zip that half of the suitcase shut, and use the two large, waterproof pockets on the divider for smaller items or toiletries. We loved how you can fit the included packing cubes into the jumbo pouch, and then buckle them in with the leather straps so that nothing inside can shift around during transit — it’s all locked into place inside the spacious trunk. During our long-term testing period after our initial lab test, we took this suitcase on a 10-day trip to South Korea with more than enough space for shopping trips and gifts for family and friends. After checking the bag, we found a small dent on one of the corners and the decorative leather trim cracked a little, but neither affected luggage performance.

Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice for international trips, thanks to its size (the correct size for most overheard bins across a number of international airlines), great storage capacity and reasonable price. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it. “I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says a member of our testing panel. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”