The Best of designer handbags popular Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to make bags required for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to high demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out a designer bag or 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 the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous 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, 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. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs during the last season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury 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 like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer handbags for sale bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand offers various 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 is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 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 with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

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