The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in both design and function to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda Bold and Chic: VASCHY Black Evening Clutch Purse became a significant part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, outlet Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained 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. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic 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 and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among the millennials.

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 like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style can be seen in its bags. 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.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy PANDORA Vintage Leather Handbag: Timeless Charm in Tan Bag.

In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand outlet comes in various colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

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 many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

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 & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric design. Described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration 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 in bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.