The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

It was in the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions in the present.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now allowed to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous Handbag designers person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of 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 early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most famous designer handbags of all time.

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 that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs this season.

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

If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

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

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report by 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). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a 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 a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer handbags vintage backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.