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 purchase 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 an extensive list of designers to think about. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many wardrobes.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they have an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer handbags for women bags. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and designer handbags chanel the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

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

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other Designer Handbags Chanel bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand provides a variety of sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.