The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to think about. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail 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. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

designer handbags for cheap bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to the demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable 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 shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

For those who prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and an exclusive 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 designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature the perfect balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like 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 known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of 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 remain coveted for years.

According to a resale statistics 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer handbags discounted backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.