With bags from the likes of Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton consistently getting more expensive, Gen Z and millennials are turning to more affordable brands to get their luxury fix.

From Longchamp’s viral le pliage and Ganni’s covetable bou style to insider labels such as DeMellier, Strathberry and Polène Paris, the entry-level designer bag market is booming.

Coach is another such brand. In fact, in the Lyst index – a study of each season’s hottest products and brands – Coach’s Brooklyn bag comes in at number one, while the label itself sits at number five, behind Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Prada and Loewe, no less.

In a climate of soaring bills and living costs, it’s perhaps no surprise that fashion heads are questioning the value of these heritage houses in favour of more accessible brands. Coach’s styles cost anywhere between £117 and £695, but you’re looking at more than £3,000 for Chanel or Prada designs. Demand for the New York brand is up 65 per cent quarter on quarter, according to Lyst.

But it’s not just frugal fashion fans championing Coach. Bella Hadid made a case for the Brooklyn bag last year, styling the large suede design with cut-off denim jeans and a red cropped top. She also paired the black leather iteration with capri pants and a white blouse.

Then, just last week, she stepped out in New York wearing the brand’s empire carryall bag (£450, Coach.com). The vintage-inspired silhouette boasts distinctive long shoulder straps and a glazed leather finish.

Both the Brooklyn bag and empire style cost less than £500, while smaller hobo or crossbody styles can set you back less than £300 (particularly during sale periods such as Black Friday or the January sales).

So, if you’re looking to invest in a designer bag to carry your outfits in 2025 and beyond, don’t splash £3,000. I’d recommend you pick up this trending Coach bag instead.

Bella Hadid was recently spotted with this design, a vintage-inspired silhouette that nods to the Seventies bowling bag trend. Just like the Brooklyn, it’s gone straight to the top of my wishlist. Crafted from soft, supple leather, the bag boasts a glazed, high-shine finish, while the elongated 34in interior has a multifunction pocket to hold small essentials.

There is also a dog leash lanyard to secure a key chain or pouch and interior buckles to expand the side gussets if you require more space. Available in Bella Hadid’s black, it’s also available in burgundy or tan. This affordable designer bag will instantly elevate your outfits.

However, we still have a lot of love for Coach’s Brooklyn bag. Available in a medium size and larger, slouchier silhouette (£495, Coach.com), the Brooklyn bag is made from natural grain leather. Characterised by its long drop handle, the bag boasts a minimalist, streamlined silhouette.

Polished but still thoroughly practical, thanks to its generous interior, it’s not hard to see the appeal. While some viral bags struggle to fit anything but your phone – see Alaïa’s skinny baguette bag (£1,650, Selfridges.com) – Coach’s Brooklyn bag has been praised for packing in everything but the kitchen sink. Similarly, the long, wide handle can be slung over the shoulder comfortably for easy carrying.

Combining the quiet luxury trend with our growing appetite for functionality and bohemian-leaning pieces, the Brooklyn is classic and unfussy. Sleek and sophisticated for office days but equally versatile for weekend day trips, it’s a mid-range bag that’s worth the investment.

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