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What is the one type of bag we’ve carried since we were toddlers? Yes, it’s the backpack. Backpacks have gone with us to school, work, and travel. Who hasn’t gone on a weekend trip and used a travel backpack? But if you want to get fancy, it’s all about a designer backpack instead of a designer handbag because you can carry so much more. Yes, I did say “designer backpack.” They’ve been around for a few years and have progressed from being a trendy item to a wardrobe essential.
Radley London prides itself on being a luxury brand that offers stellar products with equally stellar price points. Radley’s Pocket Essentials backpack is part of their Radley Responsibles collection of bags and backpacks made from recycled materials. The brand started as a table (or stall) in London’s Camden Lock Market years ago. This woman-led company grew into an international luxury brand. Known for its Scottie dog mascot, they make high-quality goods imbued with personality. This medium backpack was sleekly designed to go from a boardroom to a dive bar.
German-based luxury brand MCM was established in the late 1970s and hit America in the mid to late 1980s. Originally known for their map print bags, they immediately became an it bag. Fast forward to the mid-20s, and MCM’s logo print is instantly recognizable worldwide. This extra mini-sized backpack is their shrunken-down version of the classic Stark backpack. Both the classic and the mini use MCM’s Lauretos monogram print. MCM’s Stark Bebe Boo can convert into a crossbody bag or be hand-carried.
The house of Martin Margiela has a cool, iconoclastic, slight avant garde aesthetic. Designs have clean lines and are timeless, never stuffy. The 5AC vertical backpack is all sleek lines and textured leather. Even the brand’s patch logo is subtle. This vertical backpack easily converts into a tote bag by removing the straps.
Kenzo’s always had a playful side to their designs, and that’s never more evident than in this logo backpack. Created in collaboration with Japanese designer Verdy, the designer has a fun retro vibe evoking disco skating parties and 80s cool. And it’s all due to the diagonal logo printed in a font that’s a nostalgic nod to that era. Swing it from one shoulder like you’re back in school, or adjust the padded straps and style it as a classic backpack.
Kenzo created an unstuffy designer backpack that’s roomy and holds your laptop.
Since its inception, Cole Haan has been known for quality leather goods that last for generations and the Grand Ambition backpack is created with that same ethos. It has a ton of compartments, and even has a trolley sleeve so it can be placed securely on top of a rolling suitcase.
Creative director Demna has a prescient sense of style; he has this unerring and spooky way of knowing exactly what people are looking for before they start doing it. Like Marcel Duchamp, he elevates everyday items into art. Travel in style and don’t worry about not being able to pack your souvenirs when you use this spacious travel backpack that can also be carried as a duffel bag.
Did you know that two denim design giants, Adriano Goldschmied and Renzo Rosso created Diesel back in the mid-1970s? Goldschmied left to create his luxury jeans company, and Rosso took over creative control in the mid-1980s. Diesel’s always been a fashion-forward company that elevates denim and weekend wear. Their graphic design backpack is a nod to graffiti and skateboard culture. The sprayed logo seems to float over a tie-dye background.
This luxury Italian leather company’s signature look is Intrecciato—its tightly woven leather. Bottega Veneta uses it in almost all its styles, the only variation is the size of the leather strips. While the look is distinctive, they’ve been classified as a quiet luxury brand—that is until recently. A few of their handbag styles have catapulted into it-bag status, and now everyone wants a BV bag.
M. Gemi is one of the newest and most accessible luxury designers in the industry. All of the luxury brand’s goods are designed and created in Italy. Many bags have hand-stitched details and are created in a family-owned workshop. This convertible backpack is made with soft, buttery leather and quickly converts from a laptop bag to a shoulder bag. It’s big enough to carry a laptop, small toys, and snacks. The Laura Convertible Backpack looks good at the park and in the office. (And if you’re curious about travel backpacks for women, you can read more about them in our guide.)
The Gucci GG monogram is as ubiquitous as a stop sign. When Alessandro Michele helmed the design house as its creative director, one of his missions was to honor the luxury brand’s heritage. He did that by mining the archives, and then revitalizing heritage designs or patterns and monograms. Sometimes all three elements were included in one design. All that work meant that a Gucci bag, any Gucci bag was instantly recognizable and coveted. For this large canvas designer backpack, Michele used the piston closure from Gucci’s Jackie 1961 shoulder bag, as well as the brand’s fabric stripe. The leather trim and straps are also a nod to Gucci’s classic styling.
Loewe, pronounced low-ah-way, is an established Spanish luxury brand. It sailed quietly through the world until they chose J.W. Anderson as their creative director. He sprinkled a little magic on the brand, and boom! It’s neck and neck with Gucci and Louis Vuitton in popularity. Anderson likes to play with shapes, creating uniquely designed bags and shoes. This large designer backpack slightly resembles a stingray. It has a comfortable mesh back and padded straps like a travel backpack. It unclips and turns into a double-handled duffel with a strap that can be slung over one shoulder.
Rebecca Minkoff’s eponymous line of bags has been around for over 20 years. Her rise was meteoric. In the early aughts, everyone wore her little crossbody bag. That style, a mix of boho chic and urban sophistication, cemented her reputation. The designer sends out smart-looking, sophisticated shoes and bags each season. Her Jumbo Julian Backpack is a larger version of the Julian Backpack and it’s just as chic. It has a cleverly placed laptop sleeve at the back of the backpack and a front center zipper that makes finding things a breeze.
This nylon backpack is the latest iteration of Miuccia Prada’s classic nylon backpack—the one that started it all. This version is created with recycled materials and has a detachable pouch. Its drawstring opening and two front buckled pockets make it easy to keep everything organized.
Milan-based Serapian is an IYKYK (if you know, you know) brand. If you love the quiet luxury trend or want a designer bag that works with a tailored wardrobe, this sleekly styled designer backpack is right up your alley. The backpack has unique touches, like the subtly textured finish.
Switzerland-based Moncler started as a top-of-the-line ski wear company. From 2003 onward, they’ve expanded into lifestyle clothing, and now have collections for every member of your family. Moncler’s Puf backpack adds sophisticated charm to any outfit, any season. It can be hand carried like a satchel bag or worn as a backpack
You know that when you buy anything from Ralph Lauren, it never goes out of style. As gorgeous as this backpack looks now, it will look even better as it develops a rich patina. The Heritage Backpack’s design is based on the classic rucksack. Lined in plaid, this spacious backpack could become your go-to backpack.
Carry your laptop in style inside Burberry’s tonal monogram backpack. The cotton-blend backpack has leather trim, hand-painted edges, and a quilted back panel to stay comfortable for hours.
One of the newest luxury brands, Blvck Paris, was created in 2017 by Julian O’Hayon. Everything they make—clothing for him and her, accessories, and even home goods—are black. The brand’s Utility backpack is handmade and trimmed in Saffiano leather.
Great for running around town, the gym, work and beyond, Blvck Paris’ huge outer compartments hold headphones, wallet, keys and more.
Selecting the best designer backpacks was a cross between going through my collection and lots of window shopping. I compared many of them, then narrowed down the ones that would look good in any activity or setting. Unless otherwise noted, all the backpacks selected are unisex.
When purchasing a designer backpack, many factors come into play. What type of bag are you looking for—mini, graphic print, logo, or maybe sleek leather? There are so many different types of designer backpacks you could get lost admiring them all. Let’s review a few things to keep in mind when picking out your new bag.
A designer backpack, or any bag, should work with you, not against you. If you carry a laptop or tablet, look for work bags with a padded compartment. Do you bike to work, drive, or take mass transit? These things factor into the type of backpack you use. Lightweight backpacks are best for biking or running errands. A designer backpack with multiple compartments keeps you organized. Graubard reminds us, "Some backpacks are really a style of handbag, best for work or running around town for the day. Other backpacks are utility pieces, like for travel or the gym.”
We all have our own personal style. Do you lean into classic clothing, or are you a trendsetter? Have you ever met a graphic tee that you didn’t take home? We all curate what we own, and that same discernment should come into play when shopping for a designer backpack. Whether you’re on your first designer bag or your 90th, look for ones that fit and feel like “you.” When I asked Graubard how she knew a designer backpack would work for her, she told me, “The right bag will feel like you own it the minute you hold it, and it will elevate any outfit.”
Is the designer backpack you’ve been eyeing replacing an older bag in your rotation? Are you looking for a bag to wear to work, or want to upgrade your travel game? Before you slap your credit card on the counter, step back and decide how often it will leave home with you. If you’re torn between a trendy backpack and a classic style, Graubard suggests sticking with timeless styles from the famed designers: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Montblanc, Goyard, Givenchy, etc.
No one likes to think about cost versus use; it’s hard to separate want from need, right? Here’s the thing: If you’ve fallen head over heels with a designer backpack and are contemplating purchasing it, ask yourself why. When chatting with Graubard, I mentioned to her that some people purchase designer items like they do stocks. She told me, “Designer bags are worth the investment, not only because of resale value but because they are often carried every day, as opposed to an expensive piece of clothing that may only be worn occasionally. A classic designer bag, well cared for, can be carried for 20 years or more. Also, if the bag is authentic, most brands will repair it, no matter how old it is.”
One thing to consider as you’re calculating your cost-to-use ratio: Designer bags, especially from particularly in-demand brands (especially Maison Margiela), often sell out fast once they are released. If you debate too long, you may miss out on the bag you want.
To find out why designer backpacks have become a popular work bag for women and why men use them for commuting, I chatted with trend analyst and fashion historian Sharon Graubard, founder of SG Files, a trend forecasting firm. “Prada’s first cult bag was a nylon backpack in 1984, a few years after Miuccia Prada took over her family’s iconic leather goods company,” she says. That designer backpack was named the “Vela” and is still available. Prada also brought back leggings and Y2K fashion and used street style for inspiration. If one designer creates a buzz-worthy item, other designers hop on the trend. That’s why you’ll see designer backpacks at every price point.
Construction is the crucial difference between a designer backpack and a non-designer one. Much like a designer handbag, the materials are high-end, the stitching is neater, and numerous small details make a designer backpack an elevated item. As they age, the leather develops a soft patina and becomes even softer. When asked why designer backpacks differ from regular backpacks, Graubard explains, “The handles or straps will feel good in the hand and against the body.” She adds, “I have owned designer bags (or clothing, for that matter) for years before discovering a secret pocket or hidden functionality, like an adjustable closure.”
Yes, but choose classic styles, or desirable limited-edition collaborations, like Vuitton x Supreme—Louis Vuitton Christopher Backpack Limited Edition Supreme Epi Leather PM, for example,” Graubard says. She suggests visiting resale sites like 1stDibs, Grailed, Rebag, or TheRealReal to research resale values.
Designer backpacks are created by well-known fashion designers or brands. They’re made with quality materials and are sometimes hand-made. They come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Designer backpacks can be used as travel bags and laptop backpacks. Designer backpacks are considered status symbols.
Like us, celebrities carry travel backpacks and designer backpacks, switching up the type of bag depending on their activities. Armani White, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jamie Foxx, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, and Paloma Faith are just a few who carry MCM's logo backpack on and off the red carpet. Madison Beers owns Fendi and Chanel backpacks. The Kardashian-Jenner clan has designer backpacks that include Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Johnny Manziel, Usher, Pete Davidson, and more, tote Louis Vuitton backpacks. Rihanna has backpacks from a few designers on rotation. Other celebrities photographed wearing designer backpacks include Margot Robbie. Miley Cyrus has Chanel’s graffiti backpack. Stella Maxwell totes a Moschino backpack. Bachelorette Lauren Bushnell carried a Chloe backpack to a recent press event. Nick Jonas, Taylor Swift, Adam Scott, Brad Pitt, and Jake Gyllenhaal also sport designer backpacks.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best because there are a lot of luxury brands and designers. Prices can range from under a hundred dollars to quadruple digits. Graubard suggests sticking to Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Goyard, and The Row. However, you can find stellar backpacks from Givenchy, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, and many other luxury brands. In the end, if you’re in love with a designer backpack, that brand is the best.
Believe it or not, the most expensive backpack in the world changes quickly because you only hear about them when they’re on auction or offered as a limited edition item. One of the most expensive backpacks on sale now is a handmade crocodile backpack from Stefano Ricci. Accessorized with galvanized gold hardware, it’s on sale for $23,450, and you can buy it online.
Certain designer backpacks, at resale, can be sold for a higher price than the original retail price. Before buying a designer backpack as an investment piece, it’s a good idea to research which brands retain their value.
While there are over a dozen designer brands, the most popular designer backpack brands are Gucci, MCM, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, Fendi, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta.
Many designer backpacks have a padded laptop compartment. Some have separate compartments for electronics and phones.
Only purchase designer backpacks from authorized retailers and the brand’s official website or stores. When purchasing a designer backpack from the above stores or from a resale store, request authenticity certificates and cards. To read more on where to shop, read our guide on places to buy designer bags.
Before purchasing a designer backpack, read the description of the material. Many designer backpacks are not waterproof. You can purchase waterproofing sprays to protect your designer backpack. However, read the waterproofing spray’s instructions before usage, as some sprays may change the color of the bag.
Some designer brands offer a monogram service and some offer customization. For example, Louis Vuitton works with artists who can customize your backpack with a hand-painted design. It’s best to contact the brand to find out what options they offer before purchasing the bag.
Every designer brand has its own return, refund, and exchange policy. Some policies differ from country to country. It’s best to ask those questions to a sales associate (if shopping in person) or search for the information on the brand’s website before purchasing.
Some homeowner’s and renter’s insurance plans include property protection; check with your insurance company if you can add coverage via a rider or floater. Also check with your insurance company if you can add a supplemental insurance policy or if they have a luxury goods insurance policy.
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