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The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together an extensive list of designers to think about. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.

The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL’s Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they’re popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it may take months or even weeks to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after and has long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags in history.

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 that has a bohemian flair and uk oversized handles, and Givenchy’s Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that’s also gaining popularity among millennials.

While Valentino’s Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu’s ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles this season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its bags. 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.

If you prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag’s streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that stands out in a crowd.

There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women’s clothing and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The brand’s bags also feature an ideal blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud’s bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a Shop exquisite luxury handbags: your ultimate fashion accessory rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles, so there’s something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand’s signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist–the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Loewe’s Puzzle bag that combines function with sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as “a masterpiece” It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of Radiate elegance with our Rhinestone Party Clutch! to your outfit whether you’re looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.