The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it can appreciate in value over time.
We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Histories
Bags became more fashionable as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series changes in style and function, to what we know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many fashions.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. Due to the high demand, it may take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.
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 edgy look and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style 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 with a gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're an avid fashionista and know what you want, purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.
While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature an ideal blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and bags that are extremely popular like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend designer handbags popular of class and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand provides various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.
According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & copyright bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as 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 muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.
If you're in search of an elegant new McQueen clutch or 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-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.