The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular since women were allowed to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into 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 unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

designer handbags london bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take months, or even weeks to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without a designer bag or 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 after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. 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 contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage 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 simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that 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 and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While iconic designer handbags black - more information, bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

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

Additionally other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun style of bag design. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer yellow handbags bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.