The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it, its value can increase over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to consider. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

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

It was in the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for stunning, striking 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.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were allowed to play around with their personal fashion.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still found on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sue Birnie Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, or even months to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be one of 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, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is only available to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. designer handbags for ladies bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any 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 data report by 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. It is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.