The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

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

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now allowed to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags in leather, Designer Handbags outlet vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

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

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live with out a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer handbags discounted bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a 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 reached 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 Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

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, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

While the iconic designer handbags outlet (image source) brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a the perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced 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 most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after 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, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of talent 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 of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

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 new everyday designer handbag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.