The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags discounted handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered 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 vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from this logo design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.