The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled the top designers to consider. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, designer handbags discounted The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of 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 considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now allowed to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

designer handbags brown bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still found on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it may take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the 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. The Birkin bag is highly sought after and has long wait lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from its signature design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its bags. 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.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

Designer Handbags Discounted Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of designer names who make their mark through beautiful handbags. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known 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 also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles, and the brand offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and Designer Handbags Discounted sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

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 elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting 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 bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.