The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and maintain it with care its value will increase with time.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags required for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, designer handbags and purses gained popularity because women were in a position to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take months, or even weeks, 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 are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent option for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of 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 in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic 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, Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

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. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are many luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names of designer handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, designer handbags And purses which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made their mark 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 bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds 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.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.