The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to consider. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Histories

Bags became more fashionable as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and designer handbags and purses Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to explore their own style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, 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 bag, which gained fame because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft 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 technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothing and Designer Handbags and Purses accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a the perfect balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles and offers various sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 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 of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directional stitching.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can be your next 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 an Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.