The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

cheap designer bags bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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

In the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were needed for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. Many of these designs 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. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could 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 Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen 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 highly sought after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic 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, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature 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. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish Designer handbags used bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand designer handbags used provides an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.

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

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato, but with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including 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 of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.