The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags 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 months, or even weeks, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to be without a Designer CATWALK COLLECTION A5 Zip Conference Business Organizer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly 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 achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, local the brand has moved away from the signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are many luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags are also a the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs 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 accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for everyone. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information 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 Bold and Chic: VASCHY Black Evening Clutch Purse Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive DKNY Medium Crossbody Handbag: Designer Style in Light Charcoal bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.