The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.
In the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.
In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for the war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to explore their own style.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.
designer handbags red came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become 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 wanted to replicate their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.
Other designer bags that have achieved 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 Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.
The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. 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 look.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic.
Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Moreover other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are also many other designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, 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. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.