The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to consider. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we see today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, daywell.kr with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways in the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style 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 with a gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional items. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature an ideal combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for years to come.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from 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 however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and koreathai.com sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, Onlinedesignerhandbags.Uk another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant Chic Hand-Woven Straw Crossbody Bag: Designer Delight! bag named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching 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 is a slim but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.