The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it will appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era 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 style of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. 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 style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire 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, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, designer handbags chanel the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

If you prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist 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 a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are a variety of designer names who create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as 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 contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Additionally, other brands have created their own style of designer handbags manchester bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

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 offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for everyone. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and 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, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric design. Described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer handbags chanel label that has featured numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.