The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. 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 early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have an following with celebrities, 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. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as 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 past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. designer handbags amazon bags are made with quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, designer handbags discounted a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition, Designer handbags Discounted other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information 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 the 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 with both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

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

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags discounted handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.