The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, ivimall.com through a series of changes in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body 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 explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial 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 ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

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

For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Stylish Italian White Leather Designer Bag for Women label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark stylish tommy hilfiger blue phone pouch with strap beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly 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 come in many designs, colors and shapes There's something for every person. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report from 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 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 both critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It combines functionality and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

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 perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.