The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, Names of designer handbags The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

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

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a more 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 sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names of designer handbags There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature a perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any 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 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of 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 the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and names Of designer handbags simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

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