The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of designer handbags names Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today 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 earned a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

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

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. Due to the demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Online Designer Handbags bags that are timeless can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent option for those who cannot be without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered 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, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from its signature design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. 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 outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and Online designer handbags playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand provides an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's resale report, 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) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

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

If you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.