The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase as time passes.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many outfits.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were in a position to explore their own style.

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

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the high demand, it could take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are a variety of designer names of designer handbags who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and nearby fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer handbags large include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which 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 offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks 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 new designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.