The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

To help you make the best choice, brown we compiled the top designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were allowed to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, brown chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it could take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most iconic designer handbags 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 eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with 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-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Brown the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of 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 years to come.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like 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 popular with critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said 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, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece 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 make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.