The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.
We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short History
Bags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we see today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.
In WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were free to explore their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags in history.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage tote bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs this season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
If you 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 shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.
There are many luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made their mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
designer handbags women's have also created their own bags that have become cult favourites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and fun that draws the attention of young fashionistas.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular 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). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers like 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.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.