The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.
We've compiled a list to aid you in making a choice. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.
During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create bags required to carry war supplies. After the war, young people were given more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to experiment with their own style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. designer handbags beige reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to find one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are a great investment if you can't live without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most iconic designer bags of all time.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from the signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in 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 an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly 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 bag is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and distinctive design that makes a statement in the crowd.
While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The brand's designer bags showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
There are also many other designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand provides a variety of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as classics that have been coveted for years to come.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 by both fans and critics.
For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.
Many celebrities 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 is a slender but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.
Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.