The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

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

In the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer handbags list bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after a famous handbag designers person and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide 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 famous designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will 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 method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature a perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Moreover other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and Famous Handbag designers whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with 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, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

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

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. Described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of 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. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.