The Best of designer handbags and purses (recommended you read)

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and maintain it with care its value will increase with time.

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

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, designer handbags and Purses sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the high demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, 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. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are many designer names who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands such as 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 clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary 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 designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bags 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 hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

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

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer handbags chanel Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory 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 party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.