The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, Designer Handbags and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Bags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to make the bags that were needed for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great option for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer handbags outlet bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long wait lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. 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 also are a perfect blend of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

In addition, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer handbags discounted bags by the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report from 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 by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.