The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag, and take good care of it, its value can increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of affordable designer handbags uk bags led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

In WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were allowed to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the high demand.

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 investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity with 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 bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. designer handbags red bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally, 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 popularity due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The Cabin Max Designer Handbag: Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for all. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular 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). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.