The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.

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

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in both design and function to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried by women became looser. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were able to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

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

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, popular were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and popular want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags available 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 spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags white handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, 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 that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways over the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly 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. It is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or 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 clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect 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 established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand provides a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with reviewers and admirers.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars 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 dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.