The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it, its value can increase over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to look at. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

designer handbags for work Bags: A Short Histories

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags changed from 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 socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed 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 era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags 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 with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature 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 reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

For those who 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 sleek design and minimalist hardware provide a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses are more than just functional items. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and fun that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer handbags list bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

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

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer yellow Handbags bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of 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. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.