The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.
To help you make the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we see as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many fashions.
In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their own style.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade of the decade, and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags of all time.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways in the last season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is famous for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. cheap designer bags is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple 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, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.
There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are also many other designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to The RealReal's resale report, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.
For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.
Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.
If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.