The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory and a practical 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 style and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed for war. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to play around with their personal style.

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 took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and were a major element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it could take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic online Designer handbags (dgtss.gouv.sn) bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic 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 that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer handbags large bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the 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 prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular 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 Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.