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 an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide 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.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer handbags cheap (go to Mallangpeach) that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Designer Handbags Cheap Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

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 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, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a 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 handbags london brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.