The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase with time.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to think about. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working 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 of changes in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned 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 styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. 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 to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags in history.

Other designer Handbags chanel 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 an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs this season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist 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 statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature a perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer handbags for cheap bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of 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 allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer handbags beige bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.