The Best Bags of 2014: That’s a Wrap!

While the past year proved to be a tumultuous one in many ways, 2014 was undeniably a year of great bags. It brought some new and never-seen-before styles, among them Dior’s Bar, a bag so reminiscent of bygone glamour it’s deeply modern; Prada’s hyper-practical and supremely lightweight Double bag; Nina Ricci’s Marché tote, which heralded a newly revived age of restrained elegance for the brand (I customized the one-of-a-kind pictured below!); and Alexander McQueen’s shapely yet nuanced Legend, their latest and already beloved release.

It also welcomed a few reimagined favorites, like Chanel’s witty, quintessentially quilted take on supermarket-chic; Givenchy’s refreshed Antigona tote, emblazoned with Bambi’s likeness for a winking nod to childhood pleasures; and Edie Parker’s glittery, Art Deco-update on their bespoke clutch.

A single trait the year’s best bags have in common? They were all cleverly marketed to satiate the social generation. This new era of playful self-promotion and the contented acceptance of the fact that our lives are on display (usually by our own volition!) gave way to a number of accessories that possess a sense of lightheartedness to their cores. Because if we don’t take ourselves too seriously, why should our bags? Here’s to the best bags of 2014 and another year of brilliant bags to come!

Also pictured:
Snob Essentials Croco-Embossed Jewel Box (on HSN for $68)
The Row Alligator Backpack (at Barneys New York for $34,000)
Fendi Mini Demi Jours Bag (on Luisa Via Roma for $2,050)

Edie Parker Flavia Happy (at Edie Parker for $1,495)

Nina Ricci Small Marché Satchel (at Barneys New York for $1,850)

Prada Saffiano Cuir Medium Double Tote Bag (at Barneys New York for $2,870)

Alexander McQueen Legend Small Satchel Bag (at Neiman Marcus for $1,995)

Dior Bar Bag (at Dior)

Chanel Lambskin Small Flap Bag with Tray Packaging (at Chanel for $3,600)

Fendi Mini Demi Jours Bag (on Luisa Via Roma for $2,050)

Givenchy Podium Antigona Tote (at Barneys New York for $1,225)

The Row Alligator Backpack (at Barneys New York for $34,000)

Snob Essentials Croco-Embossed Jewel Box (on HSN for $68)

Customized Nina Ricci Marché bag

Customized Edie Parker clutch