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 purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it will increase in value over time.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together the top designers to consider. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

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

In the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many fashions.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what a woman could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were in a position to explore their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s with Small Distressed Leather Crossbody: Catwalk Collection Handbags, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a key part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, well-loved 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 recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian feel, onlinedesignerhandbags Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from this logo design and has launched other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names There are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand onlinedesignerhandbags known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

There are also many other designer bags that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of modern and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale information 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 reviewers and admirers.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric shapes. Described as "a work of art" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the front row of fashion week, onlinedesignerhandbags including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its stitching that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.