The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great 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 aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Histories
As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and Designer Handbags also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. 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.
It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which are still seen in many wardrobes.
In WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for war. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to experiment with their own style.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL’s Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they’re popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new style becomes a ‘it bag’, it could take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Classic designer bags can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can’t live without a designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over 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.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy’s Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe’s Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with the millennials.
Valentino’s Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu’s ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.
The brand was founded 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 handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand’s most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you’re a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you’re a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.
There are many designer names who make their mark through beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women’s apparel and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women’s wear and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also developed their own bags that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy that makes them popular with young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion world. 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 the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there’s something for all. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.
According to The RealReal’s resale report, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer handbags green bag. The purse is constructed from the brand’s signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as “a masterpiece” It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and designer handbags other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the muse for late fashion designer handbags red Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.
Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.
These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you’re looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy 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 everyone.