The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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 have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of designer handbags cheap bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of bags required for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles 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 became a key element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and Designer Handbags and purses contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that 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 can't live without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long wait lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from this logo 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 design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual style can be seen 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 instantly 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. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature a perfect 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 their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers an array of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

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 elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.