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 a classic bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of beautiful bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers used less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the high demand, it may take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long wait lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Other designer handbags vintage bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature 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 fresh take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous handbag designers model. Its soft leather and 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 technique, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. 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 some staples that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by 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). 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, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and Designer handbags and Purses a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.