The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase with time.

We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

Bags became more popular as women started to work outside the home. They were also used 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 see as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to make bags needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to high demand, it may take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame 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 sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and 1109278, Rantadi.Com, Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

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 Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful handbags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, 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 of the brand also offer an ideal combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who 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 mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.