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The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care the value of it will increase over time.

To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled the top designers to consider. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of fashions.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.





Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it can take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials 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 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 initial stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags 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 that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.

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 like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on numerous runways during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. 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.

designer handbags crossbody ’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. 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 also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is one of the oldest brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

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 like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with sculptural geometry. Described as "a piece of art" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.