The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were required for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern designs 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. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. 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 technique known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature the perfect combination of fashion and function, 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 market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic designs. 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 like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and fun that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best designer handbags for ladies Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for years to come.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and 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 bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

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

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.