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 take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions in the present.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry around relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and were a major element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after 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 initial stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and Stylish And Chic Aboofan Designer Tote: Spacious And Trendy tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look 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 look.

If you prefer a more minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other luxury fashion designers 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 bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashionistas.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made their mark 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 are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand provides various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

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

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds 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 considering. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected Catwalk Collection HELENA: Stylish Red Leather Laptop Messenger Bag of designer bags includes everything from Stylish and Chic ABOOFAN Designer Tote: Spacious and Trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.