The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to explore their own style.

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

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have 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 desired a certain style. Due to the high demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer handbags sale bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the online designer handbags that has gained recognition.

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

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

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by 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 both critics and fans.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a work of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for the 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 numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious Designer handbags Used backpacks.