The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create bags needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were in a position to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious 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 contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's 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 become popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is 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 large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer handbags on sale cheap bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

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

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles and offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for everyone. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale data report from 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 like the Hermes Birkin Bag and 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 but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer handbags uk sale bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.