The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags changed from being practical to status symbols. 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 the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.

In 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 were given the option of deciding for online designer handbags what a woman could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular since women were in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags in history.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand Online Designer Handbags has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a less formal 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 LeahWard Dark Green Italian Leather Sling Bag: Luxury Designer Handbags 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 bag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal balance of function and fashion 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 mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

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

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the selection of Online Designer Handbags bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.