The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered 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 the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to change from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create 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 on her person relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and online designer handbags sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take months, or even weeks to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags on amazon handbags of all time.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and Uk the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple 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 minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are many designer names 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 luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are 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, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion scene. 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 offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

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 There's something for all. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & 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 contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate 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 brand that has had many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

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

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.