From timeless handbags by Hermès and Chanel to exquisite timepieces from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, French luxury brands continue to dominate high-end accessories. Explore the top must have bags, watches, perfumes, and much more.
A still from ‘Sex and the City’. Image: HBO
French luxury brands have long set the global standard for elegance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Whether you’re seeking a classic Louis Vuitton tote, a statement Dior watch, or a signature Guerlain fragrance, investing in French luxury means owning a piece of fashion history.
When it comes to must-have bags, few names rival the prestige of Hermès’ Birkin or Chanel Classic Flap Bag. Luxury watch enthusiasts, on the other hand, turn to Cartier’s Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso, celebrated for precision, artistry and heritage. Meanwhile, high-end perfumery is defined by iconic fragrances such as Chanel No. 5, Dior’s J’adore, and Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium. These luxury brands consistently deliver products that spell opulence.
The enduring appeal of French luxury brands lies in their dedication to superior materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and rich legacy. Whether you are expanding your collection or making your first high-end purchase, selecting a piece from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Dior or Guerlain ensures quality and prestige. In this guide, we’ll explore the most coveted bags, watches, and perfumes from French luxury brands. it will help you discover which accessories deserve a place in your wardrobe.
French Luxury Brands: Top 5 Bags
Hermès Birkin
Released in 1984 following a conversation during a flight, between then-Chairman of Hermès Jean-Louis Dumas and actress Jane Birkin, the Birkin was the first of its kind to bridge the gap between style and functionality for young mothers. With a multitude of pockets and storage space, the Birkin was modelled on Jane Birkin’s handbag sketch, which focussed as much on function as it did on design—never detracting from the high-end look and feel of the bag but rather combining Hermès’ attention to detail with the need of young mothers and everyday women. The Birkin demonstrated a shift in Hermès’ approach to modern fashion and broadened the French luxury brand’s customer demographic. This shift towards making luxury accessories more functional, alongside the limited release of each new collection meant that Hermès Birkin is coveted and high in demand. And this, as we know, drives value and prices skywards!
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière
From his origin as a master trunk maker, Louis Vuitton and his successors introduced the flat-top trunk- lightweight canvas- signature patterns and the tumbler lock. Today the French luxury brand’s legacy lies in its spirit of innovation and boldness of its creations. Perhaps the most iconic of all Louis Vuitton handbags, a diminutive version of the historic Speedy travel bag – the Speedy Bandoulière – is widely popular. Crafted from Monogram canvas with cowhide trim, it features rolled leather top handles, detachable and adjustable textile strap with woven Louis Vuitton signature. This classic design is completed with red textile lining, monogram coated canvas, gold-colour hardware, padlock, inside flat pocket and double handle.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière. Image: Louis Vuitton
Schiaparelli Raphia Keyhole Clutch
Elsa Schiaparelli instilled a creative spirit in sportswear, Haute Couture, art, fragrance with her revolutionary vision and her collaborations with artists like Dalí, Cocteau, Man Ray, Giacometti and Marcel Vertès are legendary. Schiaparelli handbags are wearable art. Raphia Keyhole Clutch in raffia and lambskin leather, in particular, is enhanced with the luxury brand’s keyhole detail in gilded brass. The leather and raffia bag, which makes the transition from day to evening, comes with a brass chain and the links are in the shape of a Keyhole. Initially designed by Elsa Schiaparelli herself as a clasp on a handbag, the Keyhole is an iconic code of the Maison and Creative Director Daniel Roseberry continues to use it the handbags.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag
Created in 1955 by Coco Chanel, the Flap bag was the first bag from Chanel with a shoulder strap, freeing women from the constraints of the clutch. The Chanel Classic Flap Bag shifted from being rebellious to becoming the most iconic Chanel bag, crafted from the finest lambskin leather and featuring the signature quilted pattern and iconic CC turn-lock closure. The chain-link strap, interwoven with leather, adds a touch of elegance. The Classic Flap Bag is sewn like a garment, from the inside-out. A true couturière’s handbag, it is handcrafted in the ateliers of Chanel and requires more than 180 different steps to complete- including the signature “retourné” gesture.
Lady Dior
French Maison Dior’s handbags are a coveted accessory. With their elegant designs, high-quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship, the luxury brand’s bags have become synonymous with timeless style. The iconic Lady Dior is a symbol of elegance and sophistication, named after the late Princess Diana. The quilted leather, “D.I.O.R.” charms, and top handles have made it an instant classic while the craftsmanship ensures it remains a valuable investment piece. Its timeless design makes Lady Dior the perfect accessory for any occasion.
These French luxury handbags are best purchased from the brand’s retail outlet or e-store.
French Luxury Brands: Top 5 Perfumes
Chanel No. 5
Launched in 1921 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and created by perfumer Ernest Beaux, Chanel No. 5 revolutionised the fragrance industry by introducing an abstract floral composition rather than a dominant note. It was one of the first perfumes to use aldehydes, giving it a unique, powdery elegance. Made famous by Marilyn Monroe, who famously declared she wore only “a few drops of Chanel No. 5 to bed,” the perfume has remained a global bestseller for over a century. Its blend of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood embodies timeless femininity.
Chanel No. 5. Image: Chanel
Dior J’adore
Introduced in 1999, Dior J’adore became an instant classic with its floral composition. Created by Calice Becker, the fragrance is a rich blend of damask rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and pear notes, housed in an elegant amphora-shaped bottle inspired by ancient Greek vases. The campaign featuring Charlize Theron walking through liquid gold solidified J’adore’s image as a scent of glamour, sensuality, and empowerment. Over the years, Dior has released variations of the fragrance, but its core DNA remains an ode to radiant, confident women.
Guerlain Shalimar
Considered the first oriental perfume, Guerlain Shalimar debuted in 1925 and was inspired by the legendary love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Created by Jacques Guerlain, the fragrance blends bergamot, iris, vanilla, and opoponax, creating a warm, sensual, and mysterious aura. Its opulent bottle, reminiscent of an Indian water fountain, further enhances its exotic allure. Shalimar remains one of the most iconic and seductive perfumes in history, known for its rich, smoky vanilla base that lingers beautifully on the skin.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
A modern twist on the legendary YSL Opium, Black Opium was launched in 2014 as a bold, addictive fragrance for the contemporary woman. Created by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc, it redefined gourmand perfumes by introducing a coffee note, blended with vanilla, jasmine, and pink pepper. Its edgy, glittering black bottle and rock-chic campaigns made it a favourite among young audiences. Black Opium’s unique mix of sensuality and energy has secured its place as a modern classic in the world of perfumery.
Lancôme Trésor
Launched in 1990 and created by Sophia Grojsman, Lancôme Trésor is a warm, powdery floral fragrance that has captivated generations of women. Its elegant blend of rose, apricot blossom, lilac, vanilla, and sandalwood creates a soft yet sensual aura, making it perfect for romantic occasions. The name “Trésor,” meaning treasure in French, reflects its luxurious and timeless appeal. The fragrance gained even greater popularity through advertising campaigns featuring Isabella Rossellini and Penélope Cruz, reinforcing its legacy as one of the most beloved romantic perfumes.
These French luxury perfumes are best purchased from the brand’s retail outlet or e-store.
French Luxury Brands: Top 5 Watches
Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank, introduced in 1917 by Louis Cartier, is one of the most recognisable luxury watches in history. Inspired by the shape of WWI Renault tanks, its rectangular case and clean, Art Deco aesthetic set a new standard for watch design. The Tank has been worn by countless icons, including Princess Diana, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy. Over the decades, Cartier has released multiple variations, including the Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Française, and Tank Must, but its understated elegance and classic Roman numeral dial remain unchanged.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Created in 1931 for British polo players in India, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a masterpiece of design and functionality. Its unique flip-case mechanism, developed to protect the watch face during polo matches, allowed wearers to personalise the case back with engravings. With its Art Deco lines and craftsmanship, the Reverso remains one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most sought-after timepieces. Today, it is available in various sizes and complications, but its dual-face concept and timeless aesthetic ensure its place as one of the most innovative luxury watches ever created.
Breguet Classique 7147
Though Breguet was founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, one of the most influential watchmakers in history, the Breguet Classique 7147, released in 2017, embodies the French luxury brand’s tradition of horological excellence. Featuring hand- guilloché dials, Breguet-style hands, and a slim case, this watch is the epitome of elegance and precision. Breguet’s innovations, including the tourbillon, have shaped modern watchmaking, making Breguet timepieces an investment in craftsmanship and history. The Classique 7147, with its sleek aesthetic and automatic movement, is a testament to the brand’s legacy of sophistication.
Hermès Arceau
Designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Hermès Arceau is a perfect representation of French equestrian heritage and luxury craftsmanship. Its unique tilted Arabic numerals and asymmetrical, stirrup-inspired lugs set it apart from traditional watch designs, giving it a dynamic artistic appeal. Hermès, known for its mastery in leather goods, often pairs the Arceau with handmade leather straps. Over the years, the Arceau collection has evolved with complications like moon phases and tourbillons, yet it remains an understated, elegant choice for watch connoisseurs.
Hermès Arceau . Image: Hermès
Bell & Ross BR 03-92
Founded in 1992, Bell & Ross may be a relatively young brand, but its BR 03-92, launched in 2005, has become an icon in the world of aviation-inspired timepieces. Drawing from cockpit instrument panels, its square case, bold numerals, and dial make it instantly recognisable. Designed for professionals, particularly pilots and military personnel, the BR 03-92 is known for its rugged durability, precision, and modern aesthetic. Despite its utilitarian roots, it has found a following among collectors who appreciate its bold, industrial-chic design and technical excellence.
These French luxury handbags are best purchased from the brand’s retail outlet or e-store.
What to Consider When Purchasing Expensive French Perfumes
- Why are rare perfumes so expensive?
Rare perfumes are crafted using high-quality, natural ingredients that are difficult to source. Additionally, they may involve complex, time-intensive production processes, unique packaging, and limited distribution, all of which add to their exclusivity and cost. - How can I ensure the authenticity of a rare perfume?
To verify authenticity, purchase from authorized retailers or the brand’s official website, check for proper labelling, serial numbers, and packaging, and compare the fragrance with a tester from a reliable source. - What ingredients should I look for in a rare perfume?
Focus on natural and sustainably sourced ingredients like oud, ambergris, and rare flowers; fragrance notes that align with your preferences (e.g., floral, woody, oriental); and perfumes with a strong concentration, such as extrait de parfum. - How can I determine if the perfume suits my personal style?
Test the perfume on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry; consider how its scent profile aligns with your lifestyle and preferences; and opt for smaller samples before investing in a full-size bottle. - What role does packaging play in the price of rare perfumes?
Luxury perfumes come in elaborate packaging, such as hand-blown glass bottles or ornate designs, which enhance their appeal and value. While packaging is a factor, ensure the fragrance meets your expectations. - Is it better to buy limited-edition or signature perfumes?
Limited-edition perfumes are exclusive and may appreciate in value over time, while signature perfumes are usually more readily available. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise rarity or consistency. - How can I maintain and store expensive perfumes?
Store perfumes in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage prevents the degradation of the fragrance and prolongs its shelf life. - What is the difference between niche and designer perfumes?
Niche perfumes are crafted by independent or artisan brands with a focus on uniqueness, rarity and quality. Designer perfumes are created by fashion brands and are often mass-produced. - Should I consider the brand’s history and reputation?
Yes. A brand with a history of producing high-quality perfumes is more likely to deliver a product worth the investment. Research the brand’s expertise, reviews, and signature fragrances. - Can rare perfumes be a good investment?
Some rare perfumes, especially limited editions or those from iconic perfumers, can appreciate in value over time. However, this depends on demand, rarity, and condition. If investing, keep the perfume unopened and in pristine packaging.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
