The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

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 modifications in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

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

In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced 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 across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

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. It is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are 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 made with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. 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 exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various sizes and colors. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The best Designer Handbags Green bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

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

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer handbags outlet bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.