The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, designer bags stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it could take months or even weeks to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

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. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since moved away from the 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 version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand provides a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer handbags for work bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. Described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.