The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.
To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Background
Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags have evolved over time from pouches worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from practical to status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.
During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were now free to explore their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes influenced fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s with leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it can take months, or even weeks to locate one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who cannot be without a designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on 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 considered one of the most famous designer bags of all time.
Other designer bags that have reached 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 the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from the signature style and has introduced other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashionistas.
There are many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with reviewers and admirers.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.
If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.