The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and maintain it with care the value of it will increase with time.
We've compiled a list to help you make a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Histories
Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.
During WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their own style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take weeks, or even months to find one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity among millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and style.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are made with high-quality materials and distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.
Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers various colors and sizes. designer handbags sale outlet offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.
According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and 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 purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric shapes. Described as "a piece of art" by its designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a 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. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.