The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of designer handbags for sale Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now able to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take months, or even weeks, to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

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

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

Other designer handbags amazon bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style 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 fame because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a 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 known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional items. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that stands out in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. 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 are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand provides an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, Designer Handbags and Purses 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). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.