The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to think about. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known Designer Handbags Used bag that is also gaining popularity among young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic 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 look.

For those who prefer a 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 shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's wear 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 luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is famous handbag designers for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer handbags black bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to the RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal 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 bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.