The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular 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 invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited 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 silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you don't want to live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced 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 over her stomach to conceal the beginning 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 of all time.

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 that has an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with quality materials and an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The brand's bags also feature a perfect blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. The brand's designer handbags outlet bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini 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 known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes There's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has 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 a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.