The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their own style.

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

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

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 with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a more minimalist 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 streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A Designer handbags outlet handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags are also a the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Designer Handbags Outlet Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic styles, and the brand offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best online designer handbag outlet Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

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 & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces 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 products on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.

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 is a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.