The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it the value of it will increase with time.
We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were able to explore their own fashion.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't be without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags of all time.
Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from this logo style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on numerous runways during the last season.
Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.
If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. 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 make their mark through beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. 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 posh fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.
According to a resale data report by 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato, but with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add 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 Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. silver designer bags is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It is a boxy feminine accessory.
If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.