The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

Bags 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 worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in style and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded 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 bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a Designer Handbags List bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways over the last season.

Founded 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 handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature the perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer handbags discounted include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including 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 brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer handbags amazon bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato, but with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.

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

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.