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 maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war young people were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, even months to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor Lekesky Grey Laptop Rucksack Bag: Chic Travel Companion (just click the next site) of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and Lekesky Grey Laptop Rucksack Bag: Chic Travel Companion a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

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

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Lekesky Grey Laptop Rucksack Bag: Chic Travel Companion Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The signature elements are 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, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favorite. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and offers various colors and sizes. 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 an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors however the Versatile Black Leather Clutch with Adjustable Strap version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways, 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 practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

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