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 an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer 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 coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft 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 exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

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

In addition other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer handbags for work bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag to consider is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric design. Described as "a work of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.