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 purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags needed for war. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, 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 show off their style. Due to high demand, it may take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great option for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer Handbags brown (www.dgtss.gouv.sn) bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic 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, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a the perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

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

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the brand's signature intercciato however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration 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 is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer handbags for work bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.