The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.
To help you make the best decision, we've put together the top designers to consider. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes 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 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still seen in many wardrobes.
In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were able to explore their own style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. 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 style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who cannot live without a designer bag and want to bring 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, shot to fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags ever made.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.
Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. green handbag designer have an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
There are also many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers a variety of colors and sizes. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
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 designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for everyone. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.
According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most popular 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 like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.
If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.