The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and maintain it with care the value of it will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled the top designers to think about. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were now free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. 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 once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the high demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Other designer handbags in sale bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large 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, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved 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 modern version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than just functional 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 designer brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their 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 by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. 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 known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

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

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.