The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

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

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now allowed to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped 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 arm of celebrities and models today.

designer handbags women's bags are usually 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. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer Handbags black bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has 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 popularity after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent 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 launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

For those who prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are many luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names of designer handbags, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers various sizes and colors. The company also has a range 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 are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.