The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together the top designers to think about. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions in the present.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. 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 new style becomes an 'it bag' it could take weeks, even months, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after and has long wait lists and is considered to be among the most famous designer handbags cheap handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbags for cheap handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for designer bags its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in 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 colors and sizes. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.