The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we see as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named after 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. Today, 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.

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 an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While iconic designer handbags for sale bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, Affordable designer handbags uk including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand provides a variety of colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

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

If you're looking for a more modern affordable designer handbags uk bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

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

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.