The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were able to play around with their personal fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and were a major element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the high demand, it may take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent option for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached 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 shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from its signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

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. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make 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 class and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer 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 every person. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, 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 practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer handbags sale outlet bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags pink bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.