The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer Handbag: Coach Rowan Satchel Signature Canvas bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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

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

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.

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 that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its Befen Ladies' Soft Leather Crossbody Wallet: Chic And Functional 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 technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, designer handbags chanel has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with knots that add 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 Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer handbags black as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front row of fashion week including 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.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.