The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

designer handbags brands bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in style and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. The closing of the war brought an 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 previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

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

Designer bags are usually 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 women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, or even months to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great investment for those who can't be without the latest designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags of all time.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

If you prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

There are many designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and Designer bags Outlet Online accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies 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 customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that are 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant 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 stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.