The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase with time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create bags required for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary 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. When they are popular, sales soar. For example, 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 style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't 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 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 over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly 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. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the market for Online Designer Handbags bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

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 style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides an array of colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

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

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand with a twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple DKNY Bryant Crossbody Bag: Chic Cashew Color bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a Stylish Tommy Hilfiger Black Designer Backpack: Compact and Trendy! McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.