The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled the top designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and online designer Handbags Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to play around with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and online designer handbags chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months, to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around 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 in the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Other designer handbags on sale 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 silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag 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 released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with quality materials and an exclusive design that stands out in a crowd.

There are numerous fashion designers that are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic online designer handbags - click the next website, brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted 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 and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can 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 perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.