The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, MORGLOVE Large Soft Leather Tote Bag: Perfect Designer Handbag was a huge hit during the decade and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Syrads Red Backpack Handbag: Designer Shoulder Bags Online bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most famous 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 and Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and morglove large soft leather tote bag: perfect Designer handbag handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, 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 modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

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 shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Catch the Style Wave with Catwalk Handbags Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds 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 looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.