The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

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

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for the war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now in a position to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or Stylish Classic Pink Retro Quilted Tote Bag to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of Eshow Canvas Laptop Messenger Bag: Designer Handbag clothes and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.

There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic Premium Designer Italian Shoulder Bag - Woodland Leathers 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 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 signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018, has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashionistas.

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

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

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

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand with a twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

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

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen 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 behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both Practical and Stylish Under Armour Patterson Laptop Backpack and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.