The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion staple, 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 selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
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 evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in both design and function to what we see as designer handbags .
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags changed from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.
In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now allowed to experiment with their own fashion.
The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still found on the arms of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take a few weeks or even months to find one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained popularity due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways over the last season.
The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
If you prefer a more minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.
According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from 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 comes in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.
These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.