The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

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

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for the war. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

designer handbags chanel bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long wait lists and is believed to be among the most famous designer handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer handbags list bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

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

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

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 new designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.