The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured 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 of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without the latest designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after 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 conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from the signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. While 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 premium brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also 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 their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine Redfox Women's Rose Gold Clutch: Elegant Wedding Essential wear and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some 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 including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This DKNY Bryant-Md Flap Xbody Crossbody: Sleek Black-Gold and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars, envtox.snu.ac.kr from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine Hand Bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

If you're in search of an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.