The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it, it will increase in value over time.
To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as 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 of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles 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 the bags that were needed for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became popular as women were free to experiment with their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade of the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.
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 that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable 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 moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, 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 around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.
While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned 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 designed their own bags that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags by the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. 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 a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for all. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like 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 purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. It is described as "a work of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week and includes 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 thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
If designer handbags large looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.