The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the best selection, designer Handbags Discounted we've compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags required to carry war supplies. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it could take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of 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. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous 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 with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbags large handbag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, designer Handbags discounted which draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for all. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including 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.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric shapes. Described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

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

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of Designer Handbags discounted handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.