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 a classic bag, and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic 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 and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained popularity because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved 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 reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer 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 luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.