The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as 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 for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were able to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of 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 era.

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

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they have an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed designer Handbags pink bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced 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 founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and 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 influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

There are many luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class 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.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for all. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and 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 online designer handbag outlet bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen in bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.