The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

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

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags required to carry war supplies. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes 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 using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to the demand, it could take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great 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 well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most famous designer handbags 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 that has 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 popularity after being carried by influencers, celebrities and outlet other notable people and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced 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 in the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies 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 hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The most Stylish Tommy Hilfiger Men's TH Skyline Mini Reporter - Black Designer Handbag designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of talent 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 products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive Chic Crossbody Bags for Women: Ideal for Shopping And Travel bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like 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 boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.