The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it, its value can increase with time.

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

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for wartime. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to experiment with their own style.

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

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

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. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known Designer Silver Rhinestone Crossbody Clutch Bag: Vidfye Sparkles bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

For those who prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method 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're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. 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 an ideal balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more 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 are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

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 and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the Michael Kors Jet Set Black Chain Shoulder Tote with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. Described as "a piece of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. 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 provide something for anyone.