The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will appreciate in value over time.
To help you make the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Bags became more popular 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 from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we recognize today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.
During designer handbags for sale changed slightly since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create bags needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their personal style.
The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted their style. Due to the high demand, it could take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.
Other designer bags that have achieved 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 the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.
While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. 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.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes There's something for all. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.
For a modern and contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.
Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.
Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.