The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

Bags became more popular as women gained independence 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 from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and were a major element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in 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 of all time.

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 that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with their stylish designer handbags uk sale - www.onlinedesignerhandbags.uk, bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained popularity with its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire cheap designer bags bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with various colors and sizes. The company has also launched various 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 best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most sought-after 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). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and Timeless Vintage Leather Messenger Bag - Best Laptop Companion due to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.