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 take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.

We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags outlet handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to experiment with their own style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, like the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to locate one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after and has long wait lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses are more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many fashion designers that are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer handbags on amazon bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale information 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.

For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. Described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag 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 is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect choice to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.