The Best of designer handbags women's handbags and purses - this content,

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled the top designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Handbags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain 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 emulate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles this season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other online designer handbag outlet bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This edit includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, like 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 new favorite designer bag.

If you're in search of an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.