The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are 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, its value can increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to think about. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites 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 1900s, handbags became fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in style and function, to what we see today as cheap designer bags handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions in the present.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for wartime. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, bag chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and is still seen 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. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without an expensive bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags 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 that has 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 bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a less formal 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. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion industry. 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 a mix of contemporary and classic designs and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 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). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a work of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this Elegant Red Envelope Clutch with Stylish Wristlet strap and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.