The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic 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 the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and Designer yellow handbags other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still found in many outfits.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were able to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era 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 era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's 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 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. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags 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 with a bohemian flair and oversized handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer handbags chanel bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from the signature style and has released 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 style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, 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 blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer handbags brown bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.

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

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer yellow handbags brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

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