The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. 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 as designer handbags on sale cheap handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having 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 wardrobes.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for wartime. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and Designer Handbags and Purses the free-spirited attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained popularity after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer handbags vintage bag that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from the signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

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

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 bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For designer handbags and purses instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with a diverse selection of 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 is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato with an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

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 elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen in bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.