The Ten Best Designer handbags

A new season calls for new arm-candy, and whether it’s a sexy satchel or an awesome all-rounder, we pack in the style

1. Céline

£2,241, harveynichols.com

This “case” bag is just as chic and understated as might be expected, although Céline's simplicity comes at a price. Don't be surprised if you have to join a waiting list for this one.

2. Prada

£2,450, 020 7647 5000

The Prada collection is among the most feted of the spring/summer season, crafted in hyper-feminine fabrics and in colours to match. This Pyramide bag is just the thing to finish such a gentle look.

3. Proenza Schouler

£1,685, net-a-porter.com

The large version of this designer satchel is still as light as anyone might wish for, and will hold everything the modern woman needs to carry with her. This red version looks great with jeans.

4. Pierre Hardy

£1,075, Pierre Hardy, brownsfashion.com

What's not to want about this brightly coloured backpack? It's unlikely that anyone carrying this modish design in the colours of the spring/summer season will get lost.

5. Givenchy

£1,400, selfridges.com

The Antigona is as practical a bag as it is lovely to behold. It's big enough to function as a work bag, easily holding notebooks, papers, make-up and more, and has top handles as well as a shoulder strap.

6. Olympia Le-Tan

£1,110, brownsfashion.com

Olympia Le-Tan has made a career – and a business – out of crafting handbags that take their inspiration from the covers of books and films.

7. Chanel

£985, 020 7493 5040

It's a basic tote in a great colour but let's face it, the selling point of this is its logo. It's cut in cotton canvas, with leather trim and a signature leather and chain handle.

8. Yves Saint Laurent

£1,660, ysl.com

This Yves Saint Laurent classic has been given a sporting makeover, crafted as it is in the finest leather punched to resemble Airtex. The finished thing is as light as the proverbial feather.

9. Alexander Wang

£980, Alexander Wang, thecorner.com

Wang is the toast of New York and cool girls will love to carry this great leather bag. It's big enough to fit half a life in and looks gorgeous in ultra-luxe, grey suede.

10. Mulberry

£995, mulberry.com

This "travel day" bag is very much like the bestselling Alexa but with gleaming gold hardware added for good measure. It's even cuter that way but still light, though, which is clever.