The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

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

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during 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 ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. While 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 exude class. The bags are also a a perfect blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and designer Handbags manchester CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also has various 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 wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and 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 made of the brand's signature intercciato with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.