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 purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags 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 pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

designer handbags uk bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it could take months, or even weeks to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

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

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite 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 soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you 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. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and designer Handbags List Chanel are household names, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer Handbags list (shinhwaspodium.com) bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after 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 and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and 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 constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

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

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.