The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside 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 modifications in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were in a position to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade 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 example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after 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 hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo 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 design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with quality materials and an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary approach to bag design. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer handbags on amazon bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 by both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds 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 worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. It is described as "a piece of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags Pink bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.