The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for the war. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were in a position to play around with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent option for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first 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 beginning 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 famous designer bags ever made.

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 that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with millennials.

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

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a more minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the 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 fashion enthusiast, you will know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer handbags cheap bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become 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 style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a 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 designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in various sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes There's something for every person. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.

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

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