The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to consider. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern 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 key element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally 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 conceal the early stages of her 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 earned 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 silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote 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 numerous runways during the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who 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 a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

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

Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

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 & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

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

Many celebrities have been seen in bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags black handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.