The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

Handbags 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 of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, Pierre Cardin Men's Leather Wallet: Stylish RFID Blocking leather chains, chains and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and modern 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 named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to high demand, it may take 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 come and go at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without the latest High-End Designer Handbag: TSA Lock - Spinner Wheels! bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the 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 her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.

Other designer bags that have earned 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 the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity among 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 launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

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

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal combination of fashion and function, with 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 designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand local are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

For a modern and Samsonite Proxis CW6003 75Cm Silver Suitcase - Authentic contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. Described as "a piece of art" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.