The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we know as Designer Handbags On Amazon handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now in a position to play around with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

Designer bags returned to 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 seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain 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 wanted their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early 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 iconic designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to 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 shifted away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. 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.

If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While iconic designer handbags popular bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

In addition other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand provides a variety of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. It is described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. 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 fashionable McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.