The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still found on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it could take weeks, or even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you can't live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

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

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained popularity after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has couture 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, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created 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 for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best designer handbags list Bags

A designer handbags for ladies bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and 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 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 more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.