The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, sale handbags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags 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 designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required to carry war supplies. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were able to explore their own fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the high demand, it could take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer handbags sale outlet uk bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as 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 couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.