The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.

In WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for designer handbags and purses example was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with young people.

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

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who make their mark through beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish designer handbags names bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, designer handbags and purses which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers a variety of colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato however, it has a twist. The strap is tied in knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.