The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags required for war. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to experiment 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 tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're 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 wished to imitate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the Premium Le Tanneur Leather Wallet for Men (site) using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and an exclusive design that stands out in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags like 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 luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. 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 Pretty in Pink: Designer Handbags Collection on Sale the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Moreover, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale statistics 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Premium Le Tanneur Leather Wallet For Men Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It combines 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 of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

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

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.