The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and Online Designer Handbags What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we see as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. 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 fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, or even months to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.

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 edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people 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 shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will 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 method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

There are a variety of fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Online Designer Handbags Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the Tilami Koala Double Handle Rolling Backpack: Designer's Delight-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other Online Designer Handbags bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This collection 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 the RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and 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, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the brand's signature intercciato however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its stitching 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 be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.