The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care the value of it will increase with time.
We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief History
As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in both design and function to what we know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions in the present.
During WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. 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 often named after a famous person and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most recognizable designer handbags ever made.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. designer handbags vintage , which gained popularity because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in designer clothes and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its supple 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 method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.
There are many luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and fun that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. 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 an array of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for every person. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some 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 and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.
The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather 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, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Many stars have been seen sporting bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.