The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits.

In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit during the decade and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. Due to high demand, it could take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous handbag designers designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and Designer Handbags Discounted other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, designer Handbags discounted and its soft leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a the perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. designer Handbags discounted bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition 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 approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which attracts young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers various colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to a resale data 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 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 sought-after by both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from 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 various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of skill 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 the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.

Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.