The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase with time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were able to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', Shop The Stylish Armani Exchange Logo Tote! it can take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long wait lists and is believed 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 and Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

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's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere 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 with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are a variety of designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect combination of fashion and function and 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 was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions 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 company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the 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 the public and the critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after Shop the Stylish Armani Exchange Logo Tote! late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from Stylish Protection: Designer Handbag Sleeve for Laptops shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.