The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered information from trusted websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many outfits.

In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

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

Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent option for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and Online Designer Handbags tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from the signature design and has launched other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen 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 outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses are more than functional accessories. A Online Designer Handbags handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. 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 of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand Online Designer Handbags is famous for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable 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 and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

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