The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer yellow handbags bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern 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 like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the high demand, it may take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, Designer Handbags Outlet as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

If you prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

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 many designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after Near By both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with 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 of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for 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 numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.