The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it its value will increase over time.
To assist you in making the right selection, we've compiled an extensive list of 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, bags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many fashions.
During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their personal style.
The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers capitalized on the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance 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 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 decades unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who can't be without a designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags in history.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that is now well-known.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.
The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic 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.
For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimalist hardware provide an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.
While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. black designer handbags , which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique 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 is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Additionally other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
There are a variety of designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a range of shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and 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.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.
The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. 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 rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Many stars have been seen in bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer bag. It's a slim feminine accessory.
These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.