The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

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 contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

designer Handbags vintage bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and designer Handbags vintage want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and designer handbags vintage has long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.

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 that has an edgy look 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 due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the last season.

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

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

There are many luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for everyone. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, 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 real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a work of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products 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 but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks 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 next designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

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 a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.