The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled the top designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it could take weeks, even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of 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 conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature 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 pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on numerous runways during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

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

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on 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 company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also developed 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 popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including 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.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.