The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once 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 show off their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great option for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the 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 hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most famous designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer handbags on sale cheap bags that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for all. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale data report from 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 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 critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

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

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer handbags sale Outlet (perthinside.com) bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.