The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it, it will increase in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites 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 began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to make bags required for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the shoulders of models and designer Handbags popular celebrities today.

designer handbags brown bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over 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 regarded as one of the most famous designer Handbags popular bags in history.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and 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. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo and 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 innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. designer handbags names bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples 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 and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, Designer Handbags Popular check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the brand's signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add 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.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Many celebrities 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 is a boxy but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.