The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase with time.

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand chic hand-woven straw crossbody bag: Designer delight! name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII purse designs changed because manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what women could carry on her person 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 a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these new designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box Mabel Leather Large Shoulder Handbag: Versatile and Chic, with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures and Online designer Handbags is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For example, a luxury 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 also have a perfect balance between function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

There are also many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer handbags chanel bags are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for years to come.

According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the muse for the late fashion Flymax 24 designer handbag spinner luggage Case 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 handbag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.