The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for wartime. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long wait lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

designer handbags brands Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. designer handbags on sale cheap bags are made with quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names of designer Handbags, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and [Redirect Only] Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand with a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. Described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.