The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and Online Designer Handbags other materials to make bags needed for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. For example, 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 could take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the 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 hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags 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 silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from the signature design and has launched other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. 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 simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. 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 clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer handbags pink bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. It is described as "a work of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

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

Many stars have been seen wearing bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious online designer Handbags backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.