The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.
We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief History
As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.
During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were now free to explore their own style.
The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
In designer handbags sale outlet were back on the agenda and were a major element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks to find one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after 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 sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among young people.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from this logo design and has launched other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.
Founded in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple 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 technique referred to as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.
There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a the perfect 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 name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion 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 bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company has also launched vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.
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 and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.
If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
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 elegant and simple crossbody bag, named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.
Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.
If you're in search of an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.