The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just 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 to help you make a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion 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.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

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

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to get your hands on 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 with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted 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 item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It Coach Mollie Bucket Bag 22: Signature Canvas Light include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures and online designer handbags 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 moved away from its signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand online Designer handbags was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

There are numerous designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include 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 contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

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

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease online Designer handbags bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the 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 critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a Stylish dark blue designer handbags and purses statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.