4 Viral Designer Pieces I Tried That Are Actually Worth the Investment

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investments pieces that are worth it.

It is my job to spend the workday editing the best shopping on the internet, and while I'm a big enthusiast of perusing the virtual shelves, there are certain pieces that I want to see in person before adding them to my cart. Often, this involves items such as jeans or swimsuits, where I'm particular about the perfect fit and know I'll need to clock some time in the dressing room.

I take the same approach when I'm considering investment purchases. I like to see them, feel them, and try them on to see the quality up close and get a sense of fit and dimension since I want to make sure they'll work in my wardrobe for the long haul. Interested in test-driving some of the viral designer pieces I've been eyeing this spring, I did just that. Ahead, I'm highlighting four stunning finds that I would add to my closet immediately after trying them out in person. See how I'm styling them and read more about why they're each worth the investment.

I first spotted the Chanel 22 bag during the brand's S/S 22 runway show that was full of '90s nostalgia, high energy, and new takes on iconic pieces. Among them was the 22 bag—a big shopper tote finished with quilted leather, two chain straps, and the brand name written on the side in metal letters. It comes in six variations, with a mix of leather and metal colors, but I zeroed in on the white bag with gold hardware.

What immediately struck me when wearing it was how perfect the bag shape is and how a big shopper tote is glaringly missing from my wardrobe. The 22 bag is undeniably chic, but it's also very spacious, making it a piece that is both practical and cool. The 22 bag is a sophisticated take on a shopper tote, and I can see why it's already one of the biggest bags to buy this spring.

CHANEL

22 Handbag $5300 (Available at CHANEL)

A shopper tote doesn't get chicer than this.

CHANEL

22 Large Handbag $5800 (Available at CHANEL)

The black colorway is classic Chanel.

CHANEL

22 Small Handbag $5100 (Available at CHANEL)

For a dose of fun.

CHANEL

Pilot Sunglasses $600

Fashion insiders have been scooping these up.

CHANEL

Sandals $1300 (Available at CHANEL)

I'm a sucker for anything with a CC logo.

CHANEL

Heart Clutch $3400 (Available at CHANEL)

Yet another Chanel bag going viral this season.

CHANEL

Swimsuit Top $600 (Available at CHANEL)

The swimsuit I'm manifesting into my summer wardrobe.

Shop the matching Swimsuit Bottoms ($600).

When it comes to modern classic bags, I instantly think of the Celine Triomphe. Finished in a variety of silhouettes, colors, and styles, the common thread is the signature Triomphe metal clasp. The Triomphe motif—a shape inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—has been part of Celine since the 1970s until it was reimagined by Hedi Slimane when he took the helm. Now, the namesake bag is one of the most in-demand pieces from the fashion house.

In the past several years, I've been seeing the Celine Triomphe bag gain a cult following among the fashion set, and it has been sitting on this editor's personal wish list. Seeing the pieces in person, I was very impressed with the quality and durability, and the polished bag's versatility made it easy to style. It's clear why the Celine Triomphe is a go-to piece among cool fashion people, and if you're looking for an elevated everyday bag, this is it.

Shop the Celine Triomphe bag:

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I have a soft spot for all things '90s fashion, so I have been paying close attention to the Prada Re-Edition collection that is resurrecting some of the iconic pieces from the decade. My first designer purchase was a '90s nylon Prada messenger bag, which I still use to this day, so I really trust the longevity and design.

My excitement about Prada is at an all-time high with the release of the Re-Edition 1995 bag—a tote that resembles a mini briefcase with Prada stamped on the side and is finished in glossy leather. Here, I styled it with one of the epic miniskirt looks from the brand's S/S 22 collection, but it pairs just as easily with jeans and a button-down. Yet another bag I'm endorsing, this is a truly special piece that already has a place in fashion history.

Shop the Prada Re-Edition 1995 bag:

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Iconic bags from Hermès, including the Birkin and Kelly, are in bigger demand than ever, but the brand's viral fashion pieces don't end there. Footwear from the French fashion house has been flying off the shelves as well. Styles including the Chypre sandals, Oran flats, and Calya clogs have been selling out everywhere, but there are more to know about. Its Enid sandals are the shoes to have on your radar.

Making their debut on the S/S 22 runway, the Enid sandals instantly drove conversations. Finished with a flatform sole, an iconic H Diamant buckle, and Velcro straps, they tap into the sport-sandal styles that have been hugely popular among the fashion set. Here, I styled them with a minidress, and as we head into summer, I would wear them with everything from nylon shorts to swimsuits. You'll want to act quickly, though, because they are already starting to sell out.

Shop the Hermès Enid sandals:

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Next: These Are the 8 Designer Brands Defining 2022