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 purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.

We’ve compiled a list to help you make a decision. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to change from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of new designs for Designer Handbags and Purses bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL’s Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you aren’t able to live without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as 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 the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that’s also growing in popularity with millennials.

Valentino’s Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu’s ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles this 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 its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand’s most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist 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 practical accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves that you’re a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.

Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known 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 sophistication. The brand’s bags also feature an ideal blend of function and style and signature elements like 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 market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women’s wear and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud’s bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there’s something for all. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale data 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and designer handbags and purses the critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand with a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as “a masterpiece”, reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you’re looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks’ curated collection of designer handbags uk bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.