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

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and 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 method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

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 handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. designer handbags green bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. 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 bags that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for all. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbags uk Sale handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.