The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, designer handbags and purses became fashionable because women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade, and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for designer handbags and purses women who desired a certain style. Due to high demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of 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 her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags in history.

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 an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer handbags london bag that's also growing in popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

For those who prefer a more minimalist 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 is the perfect blend of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of 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 some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report from 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 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 bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favorite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

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