The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase with time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

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

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek 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 models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, Online Designer Handbags which come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. 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 pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style 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, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

Although iconic online designer Handbags bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes 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 and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among 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 many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for all. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer TOM TAILOR CAIA Bag - Designer Taupe Handbag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

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 next designer handbag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.