The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take good care of it, its value can increase as time passes.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to high demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known Designer Handbags Women's bags around is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by 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 in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among 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 the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

Although iconic designer handbags on sale cheap bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

In addition other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after 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 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 with knots that add interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric design. Described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.