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 buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

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

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, near for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and Online Designer Handbags gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, luxurious white leather quilted shoulder bag with Chain which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for all. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information 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 the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from Stylish Tommy Hilfiger Black TH Flow Tote Bag shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.