The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.
We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief History
As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to 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 the elite. designer handbags used of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.
In WWII purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular since women were in a position to explore their own fashion.
The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the high demand, it may take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Classic designer bags will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
There are many luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands like 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 sophistication. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that attracts young fashionistas.
There are many other designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers 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 is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.
According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.
If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a masterpiece" it is reported to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.
If you're in search of a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.