The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and take care of it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We sourced information from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create bags needed for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to the high demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic 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, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing 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 is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal 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 an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their Stylish Radley London Upper Grove Umhängetasche - Black - X-Small designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on 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 known for onlinedesignerhandbags its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to the RealReal's resale report, Onlinedesignerhandbags the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & 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 purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags from other designers, onlinedesignerhandbags such as 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 next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.