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 maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.

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

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were allowed to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to high demand, it may take months or even weeks to find one of these bags.

Iconic designer handbags amazon Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report from 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 Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

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

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.