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 a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these styles 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, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. 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 style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their 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, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable 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 style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern 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 past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. 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 make any outfit look more stylish.

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

Designer Handbags Black Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. designer bags outlet online bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The brand's bags also feature the 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 a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. 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 fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The most Samsonite Winfield 2 Spinner: Stylish Blue Designer Handbag (24) designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including 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.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. Described as "a work of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.