The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

Bags became more popular as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and Chic And Stylish Designer Girly Handbags Collection other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were 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 as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials to make bags needed for war. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women were looser. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. The 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 luxury brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful Chic and Stylish GoPaw Nylon Crossbody Bag for Women: Designer Handbags Designer Girly Handbags Collection; https://www.onlinedesignerhandbags.uk/, contemporary approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric design. It is described as "a piece of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.