The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for wartime. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and Online Designer Handbags the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and 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 influencers, celebrities and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

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

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the Luxurious Red Leather Bifold Wallet with RFID Protection using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. The signature elements are 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, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 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 by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items 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 practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash 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 the Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of online designer Handbags bags at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.