The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it, its value can increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we see today as designer yellow handbags handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.

During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, designer Handbags and purses chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example 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 famous people 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 replicate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from its signature design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

If you prefer a 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. It is a perfect balance of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for designer handbags and purses feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags by the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer handbags brands bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag to consider is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen wearing bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.