The finest, quiet luxury bags that embody subtle sophistication

The ultimate fashion trend taking 2023 by storm is quiet luxury – carried on by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and hit HBO series successor. So it’s time to save your monogrammed handbags for now and invest in some quiet luxury bags that exude subtle sophistication.

Need a break from flashy logos and flamboyant designs? Perhaps a more understated approach to luxury is more your style. Enter the realm of quiet luxury bags, where impeccable craftsmanship, exquisite materials and timeless designs reign supreme. These handbags eschew flashy embellishments and flashy labels, favoring more subtle details and silhouettes instead. Crafted by renowned artisans and respected fashion houses, these bags let their style speak for themselves.

Today we delve deep into the world of quiet luxury bags that boldly embrace the art of understated elegance. If you’re looking for a silent companion that only a trained eye can discern, while also promising luxury in every way, this guide is for you.

12 of the best quiet luxury bags to invest in 2023

The Row Half Moon Bag

If there’s an “it bag” for fashion insiders, The Row’s crescent bag is a clear winner. The Italian leather exterior is embellished with a tiny, bold logo. The curved shoulder bag goes well with modern 90s outfits – a style trend that is also back in fashion.

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have rocked the minimalist style many times with this handbag. The bag currently requires a pre-order and your months of patience to own one.

Shop The Row’s Half Moon Bag here

Bottega Veneta Candy Arco tote bag

The new era of Bottega Veneta with Matthieu Blazy has taken the brand’s allure to the next level. The Arco bag boasts the brand’s timeless craftsmanship, always appreciated by lovers of understated luxury. The style is classic yet unconventional. The carefully crafted design will stand the test of time and can be styled in many ways.

Joy Star Lea Michele is an avid fan of this handbag. She has been seen many times carrying this bag on the streets of New York City.

Shop the Bottega Veneta Candy Arco tote bag here

Khaite The Lotus Bag

Although a relative newcomer to the luxury fashion scene, Khaite has quickly become a celebrity favorite for its effortless style, elegant design and superb quality. Offering diverse products including cashmere cardigans, shoes, accessories and bags, the rising brand is loved by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lawrence and Meghan Markle. We particularly like the Lotus Tote, a scarf-inspired lightweight suede bag from the Pre-Fall ’23 collection with a unique sculptural pleat. It is available in six different colors and comes with a dust bag.

Shop the Khaite The Lotus Tote here

Hermes Picotin

Hermès’ classic Birkin bag is probably the first quiet luxury designer handbag that started it all. However, if you decide against the iconic (and very recognizable) Birkin or Kelly bags, the Hermès Picotin is a great alternative. It features great craftsmanship, fine leather and timeless design – just the right qualities to complete the quiet luxury look.

The picotin comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be styled in many different ways. If you want to use it as a shoulder bag, don’t forget to buy an extra strap.

Buy Hermès Picotin here

CELINE Conti bag

Celine’s Spring ’23 collection introduced the Celine Conti bag, an oversized tote with subtle gold detailing and a small branded lock. The sleek, sophisticated handbag is reminiscent of the It Girl era of the 2000s and is available in different shades. Only keen fashion watchers will spot this masterpiece from afar.

Buy the CELINE Conti bag here

TOTÊME T-Lock bag

The TOTÊME T-Lock has been one of the most talked about designer handbag launches of late. The simple but elegant bag made of grained leather is equipped with a small metal T-lock and has two practical inner pockets for better organization. The adjustable and detachable shoulder strap allows you to wear it as a clutch, tote bag or crossbody bag.

Shop the TOTÊME T-Lock bag here

YSL Manhattan shoulder bag

Just like the city it is named after, the bag is elegant, sophisticated and timeless. The cult bag is made of calfskin, has two magnetic clip fasteners and is decorated with golden details. Although Yves Saint Laurent is famous for its iconic YSL logo, this bag features only a small engraving of the brand’s name on the clasp.

Shop the YSL Manhattan shoulder bag here

Savette Tondo hobo

Another pioneering brand in recent years, Savette makes beautifully crafted leather bags with their signature metal hardware. The soft, rounded curves of the Tondo Hobo go very well with casual styles. The small bag is equipped with an inner pocket and a magnetic closure and is the perfect accessory for everyday events.

Buy the small Tondo Hobo from Savette here

Loewe Small puzzle bag

The traditional Spanish brand handcrafts its designer handbags in Madrid, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs. The cuboid shape and unique geometric lines are the key features of the Puzzle handbag. Depending on your outfit, you can easily style them as a clutch, tote bag, shoulder bag or shoulder bag. The bag can also be customized with personalized charms and straps.

Buy the small Loewe Puzzle bag here

Brunello Cucinelli suede bucket bag

Italian fashion house Brunello Cucinelli presents the classic bucket bag silhouette in soft, velvety suede. The spacious bag features a leather lining and a contrasting shiny Monili embroidery handle. You also get a detachable zippered inner pocket inside the bag.

Shop the Brunello Cucinelli suede bucket bag here

Metier Incognito Large Cabas

The London-based company Métier never fails to impress with its elegant and chic creations. The lightweight Incognito Large Cabas with plenty of interior space and over-the-shoulder handles makes it the perfect companion for everything from social gatherings to business trips. Additionally, its understated aesthetic with the glossy matte finish and hourglass cut makes it great for everyday use.

Buy Métier Incognito Large Cabas here

Loro Piana Happy Day Sesia bag

Loro Piana has received a lot of attention lately for its understated, quiet luxury items. Quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship have become synonymous with the brand. The Sesia bag is made of soft calf leather and looks casual and elegant. There is a small branding on the top of the bag that is not visible from the sides – making it the epitome of a quiet luxury accessory.

Shop the Loro Piana Happy Day Sesia bag here

(Principal and main images: Loewe, Toteme, MyTheresa and Celine)