Iconic is a word that’s bandied around a lot these days, especially when it comes to handbags. A surprisingly large number of people will fervently insist that a bag launched just 6 months ago is iconic. And while we freely admit to wanting most of these new handbags, we can't help but blow small raspberries at those people.

The truly great and iconic bags are the ones that have stood the test of time. Those that have been dangling from the crooks of arms for several years and decades and, in some cases, over a century. Those that you might not know the name of, or even the brand, but that spark that glimmer of recognition because they've become classics. Despite their old age in this fast-fashion obsessed world, you can still walk into a shop and buy them today.

The Hermes Birkin bag is an excellent example of this: just look at Jane with hers. How would you not want that bag (and to be her) with all of your soul?

So which other bags made the all-time classic list? Well obviously the Mulberry Bayswater and the Balenciaga Classic City did, but we think there are quite a few labels in the mix that you’re less familiar with too, like the Valextra Tric Trac (Angelina Jolie’s a fan), the Goyard St Louis tote (Gwyneth has one) and the Cartier Marcello (yes, they also make bags). Click through the gallery to see the full list and get ready to start moving money from your ISA - any minute now you’re going to have a hankering for a new handbag.

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*Information correct at time of publishing