The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to think about. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

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

During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now allowed to play around with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate 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

Designer bags from the past will last for years unlike other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great investment for those who cannot be without a designer handbags sale outlet uk bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. 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 conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of designer names who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer handbags women's bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like 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.

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 trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.