The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and were a major part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years unlike other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

Other designer bags that have earned 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 shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer handbags uk sale brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. For example, a luxury 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 also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. 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 excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans 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 but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer handbags beige Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a 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. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.