The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than 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 assist you in making a decision. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

It was during the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. 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. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable 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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer handbags pink bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer handbags large bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for years to come.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 sought-after by both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The geometric-shaped cheap Designer bags handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand Cheap Designer Bags that has had numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, 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 practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many stars 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 slim but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.