The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.
To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many fashions.
During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry around relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s with 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.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to the demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long wait lists and is considered 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, Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks this season.
Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.
For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.
While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a the perfect blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
In addition other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. designer handbags on sale feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.
According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied into knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.
Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.