The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to consider. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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

It was during the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, 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 come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer handbags women's bag that is also gaining popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary 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 in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses are more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. 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.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for designer Handbags discounted its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer Handbags discounted bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report from 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and 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 bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.