The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren’t just a fashion staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.
We’ve compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches 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 came into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.
In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were required for war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women became looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were now able to play around with their personal style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL’s Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
designer handbags for work bags are named after famous people. Once they’re popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes an ‘it bag’ it could take weeks, or even months to locate one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren’t able to live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. 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 over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.
Givenchy’s Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.
Valentino’s Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, Designer Handbags and Purses with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand’s most popular model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
If you prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you’re a fashion enthusiast you’ll know that bags can be more than just functional items. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you’re a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
There are many luxury fashion designers who make their mark through beautiful handbags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women’s clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a an ideal blend of function and style, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags 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. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Additionally, other brands have created their own style 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 recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The brand’s bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are many other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.
According to The RealReal’s resale report for 2019, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.
For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag worth considering is the Loewe’s Puzzle bag that combines function with sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as “a masterpiece” It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical 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 boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you’re looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.