The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. 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 know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to high demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.

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 an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. 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 that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and designer bags fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both 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 popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & 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 with both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.