The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase over time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or designer handbags and purses plastic became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

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

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, 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 shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer handbags red bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer handbags for work that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand 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 mark with their stylish bags that are designer 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 by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have 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 bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers various sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for years to come.

According to the RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.