The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

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

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were needed for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable In my Area the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now able to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

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

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as 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 during the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. 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 instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a minimalist 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 style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer handbags for work bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes There's something for every person. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

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). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.