The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

Bags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned 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 that can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and were a major aspect of the fashion world. 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 success in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it may take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

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

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity with the millennials.

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

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous fashion designers that are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions 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 brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, Nearby colors and styles There's something for all. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 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 reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors however the Chic Black Leather Mini Crossbody Bag for Women version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and nearby other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for nearby an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.