Hollywood stars like Jessica Alba and Natalie Portman wear them; every fashion blogger and top model needs them; socialites like Olivia Palermo can't live without them - but what makes a designer tote bag such a worthwhile investment?

A designer tote bag is the ultimate way to carry everything and anything. Its very name, 'tote', implies its use: the term actually dates back as far as the 17th Century, meaning "to carry". Way back when, this handbag hero was the plus-one of choice for travelling, until it became an everyday essential for the modern woman who's got bits and bobs aplenty to transport with her wherever she goes. Today the humble tote remains a centrepiece of most accessory edits, perfect whether you're shopping in the city, heading from one business meeting to another, or whisking yourself off for a weekend break. In short, the tote is the ideal bag in almost all situations. It's archetypal characteristics make it robust and long-lasting; strong stitching, high-quality fabrics and sturdy handles make it great for holding the heaviest of contents. And as roomy as a classic designer tote is, our luxury lot make sure the look is still as sleek and elegant as ever.Mytheresa offers a broad selection of the most beautiful tote bags that are as practical as they are stylish. Our choice of designer tote bags allows you to find exactly what you are looking for and what best suits your personal style. What with the wide range of colours, styles and sizes, you’ll no doubt have a hard time picking just one. Traditionally tote designer bags where made of canvas with only small leather parts. Brands like Victoria Beckham, Vanessa Bruno and Burberry bags still use canvas as the base or at least as an inspiration for their tote bags. However, most luxury designer totes today are made of leather. If the aim is to impress, go with the Miu Miu bag python tote. This handbag is exceptional in many ways: thanks to the exotic skin, you’re guaranteed to stand out. Plus, the neutral colour matches every outfit – all day long.Large tote bags are especially suitable for city trips or shopping sprees. They offer enough space for all your belongings and add a stylish touch to your look. Available in bright colours, the ‘Mulberry Blossom’ leather shopper will boost your mood as it accompanies you through everyday activities. Or maybe you opt for a classic black leather tote by Sophie Hume instead, with its signature gold-tone hardware and sturdy shoulder strap. If you are looking for a real eye catcher, you should go for the Givenchy Antigona with its iconic ‘Bambi’ print. The spacious bag holds all your essentials and will make you smile every time you look at it. But it doesn’t always have to be black. Brown tote bags match almost every colour as well and fit as well with a casual outfit as with a business look. The Jimmy Choo suede leather tote, for example, combines all the practical aspects of a handbag with high-quality materials that only get more beautiful with time and wear. There are even more colours to discover. The ‘Flower Media’ white leather tote by Tod’s bags for example is just as elegant as a black one and the ideal accessory for a trip to the beach or a long, warm summer day. If you want to join the metallic trend instead, the silver Saint Laurent Uptown tote is just the right choice. The famous ‘Sac de Jour’ is a fashion statement in itself and the refreshing metallic colour makes you sparkle every day. If you are looking for a small tote bag, you might like the bags by Dolce & Gabbana. Almost as small as a clutch, the ‘Miss Sicily’ with its cute polka dots will add a playful edge to every outfit.For more inspiration, just browse through the selection of totes that Mytheresa offers you. We are sure that you will find a handbag you immediately fall in love with. Although designer tote bags are investment pieces, they are definitely worth it.