The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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 from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer handbags popular bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now in a position to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still found on the shoulders 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. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent 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 bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and 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 popularity due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from the signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of Designer handbags London bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and Designer Handbags London colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

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

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add 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 worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.