The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles which are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed for war. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were in a position to experiment with their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it may take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known 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 seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed 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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will 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, designer handbags and purses a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a a perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and fun that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer 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 of shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

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) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the 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 brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.