The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after 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 early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic 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 only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer 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 says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

In addition other brands have also created their own style of designer handbags red bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a work of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer handbags in sale bag.

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 an Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.