The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, they can be a great investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.
To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short History
Bags became more fashionable as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions today.
During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to play around with their personal fashion.
The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were created. Designers capitalized on the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. Due to high demand, it could take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during 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 ever made.
Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways in the past season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this 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 are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.
While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, 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 of the brand also offer an ideal blend of function and style, with 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 market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which 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 unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic designs, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for all. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.
According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in knots that add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It combines functionality and sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.
Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.
white designer handbag will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.