The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.

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

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know 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 an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new designs 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 became a key aspect of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and onlinedesignerhandbags are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

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

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from this logo design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and onlinedesignerhandbags popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have 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 contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been coveted for years to come.

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). Other classics like 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 purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and Elegant Pearl Lock Clutch Bag: Designer Handbags crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

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

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.