The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites 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 gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, uk handbags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were in a position to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature design and has launched other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the last 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 look can be seen 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 elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of designer names who make their mark through beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. 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 are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles There's something for everyone. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

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

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer handbags names bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbags sale handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.