The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.
We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series changes in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes in the present.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were now free to explore their own style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. cheap designer bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to high demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to be without 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. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano 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.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has couture details. The brand's signature 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 and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal 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 fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.
Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature a perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
There are 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 lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes There's something for everyone. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for a long time.
According to the RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.
Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.