The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round 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 also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were required to carry war supplies. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

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

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long wait lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

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 with an eclectic style 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 because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. 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. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you 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. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and Online Designer Handbags a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer 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 exude class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. Online Designer Handbags bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. 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 known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Stylish Tommy Hilfiger Poppy Plus Crossover Bag - Shop Now!.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for all. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a Stylish Besrina 40L Hiking Backpack for Outdoor Explorations McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.