DESIGNER HANDBAGS are rarely the focal point of hit TV shows, but costume designers know that a character’s purse can telegraph her lifestyle more subtly and authentically than other details. “I’m very cognizant of a purse because it’s like an appendage to women,” said “The White Lotus” costume designer Alex Bovaird, who accessorized corporate executive Nicole Mossbacher (Connie Britton) with not one but two different Louis Vuitton Neverfulls (one for her laptop, one for the beach). And she outfitted newlywed Rachel Patton (Alex Daddario) with a green Goyard tote—a gift from her status-conscious husband—that created a flurry of online chatter among fans.

Even though “Empire” ended its run over a year ago, the show’s costume designer Paolo Nieddu still window shops for its matriarch, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson). Bags were central to showcasing her character’s status and, when pulling together Cookie’s looks, Mr. Nieddu thought hard about what bags wealthy women carry and collect. One of his favorites? A classic Lady Dior top-handle bag. “A lady who lunches and wears a bouclé suit carries this bag,” he said. Because Cookie’s style was always over the top, Mr. Nieddu chose to give her a blinding platinum version.