The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as Online designer handbag outlet handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

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

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

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it could take months, or even weeks, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live with out a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look 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 because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and online designer handbag outlet its soft 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 only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was 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 like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary approach to bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer handbags red bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 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 like 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 from the brand's signature intercciato with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.