The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it, its value can increase with time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, 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 can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

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

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm 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 waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand Designer Handbags And Purses has since moved away from the logo 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 pattern, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other affordable designer handbags uk bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

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 knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported 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 brand that has had many of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.