The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.

During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. 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 were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their own style.

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

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.

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

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, uk with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

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

The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. 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 make any outfit look more stylish.

If you prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between functionality and k.ob.ejam.esa.le.ngjianf.ei2013 fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer contemporary versions of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer handbags used bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags by the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, evolv.E.L.U.pc that combines function with sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

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