The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside 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 call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer Handbags Women's bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't be without the latest cheap designer bags bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

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 that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer handbags cheap bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items 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 practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.