The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of designer handbags sale Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from 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 as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped 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 bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many outfits.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers used less metal and other materials to make bags needed to carry war supplies. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, even months, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have achieved 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 Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. 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 instantly elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as 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 known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best designer handbags white Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This edit 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 data report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 with both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.