The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many wardrobes.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were in a position to experiment with their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of 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 vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and 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 carried by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from the signature design and has launched other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a an ideal balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned 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. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer handbags green bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with various colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

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

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and 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 is a slim but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.