The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic accessory, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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

It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were able to play around with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new 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 key element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit during the decade and is still found on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it may take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

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 with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more Stylish and Versatile: Tommy Hilfiger Khaki Mini Reporter.

For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. 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 posh fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other online Designer handbags bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both 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 an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.