The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many wardrobes.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, Exquisite Men's Dark Brown Leather Clutch: Italian Handmade, and chains. Many of these modern styles 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 significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the high demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags 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 edgy look and Samsonite Ascella 3.0 Large Spinner Handbag - Black (blog) 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 spotted 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 cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from the signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful handbags. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function, stylish - Durable - and water-resistant designer handbag: a must-have! with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the 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 for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed 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 bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and try these guys a lot skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a Stylish Women's RFID Wallet with Gift Box - Designer Handbags McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.