The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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 essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to make bags needed to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people 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 replicate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most famous designer handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most Famous handbag Designers model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

There are also many other designer handbags in sale 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 rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides a variety of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for famous Handbag Designers everyone. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and famous handbag designers Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. Described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style 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. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen in bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new 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' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.