The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic accessory, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still seen in many wardrobes.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and ladies Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most iconic designer handbags in history.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a less formal 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. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic styles, and the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

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

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple 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 numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a Stylish Black Leather Designer Handbag Set: Women's Must-Have statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.