The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. The end 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 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.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have an following with celebrities, galimwood.com sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during 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 recognizable designer bags 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 edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual style can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. 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. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) Chic and Stylish and Practical Alfheim Waterproof Laptop Bag Women's Designer Hobo Bag - Montana West (Read More In this article) Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as 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 however, it has a twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.