The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together the top designers to think about. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

Bags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chainmail, 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. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to high demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

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

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on 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 regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted 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 style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. 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 instantly make any outfit look more Stylish Quilted Leather Cross Body Handbag - Black.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a the perfect balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as 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, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's Online Designer Handbags bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of 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 years to come.

According to the RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Stylish Plaid Laptop Tote Bag for 17 Inch Laptops. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the front row of fashion week, 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.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.