The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still seen in many wardrobes.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers used less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were in a position to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become 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 wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer handbags discounted bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from the signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.

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

If you prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A affordable designer handbags uk bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed with quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a mark with their 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 innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. 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 one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers various colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.