The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion essential, they can also be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in style and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered Shop the chic GUESS Damen Alby Tote! market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. 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 fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought 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 the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. 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 modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in the bags it offers. 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 around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles and offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every 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 information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the 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 the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows 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 practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.