The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, luxurious white leather quilted Shoulder bag with Chain The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

It was 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 gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many wardrobes.

In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still 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. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't live without a designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box Luxurious White Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag With Chain with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design 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, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a a perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. 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 company is known for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For Luxurious White Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag With Chain example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most popular 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). 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 made of the brand's signature intercciato, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the Lacoste Gael Black Shoulder Bag: Sleek Designer Fashion with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due 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 slim yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of Elegant Designer Shoulder Bag - Laptop Tote handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.