The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales 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 became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in both design and function to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to high demand, it could take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

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

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand [Redirect-302] like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a the perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming more 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 variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for years to come.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer handbags chanel as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish 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 handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.