The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to consider. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to change from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create bags required for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture affected fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide 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 in history.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

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 bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of functionality 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 a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best affordable designer handbags uk Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report by 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with sculptural geometry. It is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer Bags Outlet online bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.