The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase as time passes.

We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.

During WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were free to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and Hand Bag became a significant element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the 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. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most iconic designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud Hand bag was once a hot fashion accessory 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. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. 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 look.

If you prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. designer handbags beige bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for everyone. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

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

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as 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.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.