The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were 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 the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous handbag designers designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across 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 one of the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer handbags uk sale bag that is also gaining popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.