The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it, its value can increase with time.
To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to consider. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Bags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.
During WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. 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 designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade of the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among young people.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways in the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.
While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. designer handbags and purses is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.
In addition 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 the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for every person. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale information 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 the 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 purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directionally stitched.
Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.