The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round 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 became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade of the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take months, or even weeks to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to be without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached 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 Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from the signature design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

If you 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. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are numerous designer names who make their mark through beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses 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 distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, Designer Handbags Women's a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags by the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best designer handbags outlet Bags

A designer Handbags Women's bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with knots that add interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

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

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