The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, Shop and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for the war. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured 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 today on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. Due to high demand, it may take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

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

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as 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 an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with young people.

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

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style 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 exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

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

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its modern and lits.co.kr playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer handbags on sale bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

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). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.

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 but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items 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 both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.