The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it, its value can increase with time.
To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to look at. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Background
Bags became more popular as women gained independence 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 as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.
In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were once considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to explore their own style.
The 60s saw the emergence of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the structured, boxy 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 usually named after a famous person and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live without a designer bag or to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most recognizable designer handbags in history.
Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among young people.
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 like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was seen on numerous runways during the past season.
Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
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. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.
There are many luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. designer handbags in sale of the brand have a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles There's something for everyone. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have been sought-after for years to come.
According to a resale information report by 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another bag to consider is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that combines function with sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components 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 is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.
Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.
Whether you're looking for a new party-ready McQueen clutch or create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.