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 take good care of it, its value can increase with time.

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

designer handbags list bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, or even months to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent option for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of 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 hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references 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's also gaining popularity among millennials.

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

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a more minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with stylish designer bags 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 styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and designer handbags and purses Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who 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 modern and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the 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 with both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied in 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 the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and Designer Handbags and Purses a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

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

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.