The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase with time.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going 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 became a fashion accessory and onlinedesignerhandbags also a useful tool for carrying 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 when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

In WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry around relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were free to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. 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 on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

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 with an edgy look and onlinedesignerhandbags large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity with young people.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from the signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and Ultimate Style and Function: Everki Concept 2 Laptop Backpack. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for all. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data report from 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has 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 both practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.

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

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.