The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.

In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're 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. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long wait lists and is considered to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

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. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and distinctive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, designer for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags are also a an ideal blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves 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 from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles and offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.

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

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due 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 everyday designer handbag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a Stylish Calvin Klein Crossbody Handbag - Women's Designer McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for all.