The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Designer Handbags and Purses Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for war. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers tapped into 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 era.

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

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it may take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who can't live without an expensive bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

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 with a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous 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 method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For designer handbags and purses instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer handbags on amazon bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy 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 blend of modern and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer handbags vintage the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, 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 practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether 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 an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.