The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to assist you in making a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Background

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in both design and function to what we know today 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 a reputation as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

In WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular since women were allowed to explore their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. Due to high demand, it could take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of 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 style and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained a lot of attention because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had 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 look.

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, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will know that bags can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, designer handbags and purses there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also have a perfect balance between function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made their 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 innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature an unique blend of sophistication and fun 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 industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and designer handbags and Purses Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by the public and the critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its creator the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It's a slim feminine accessory.

Whether you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or want to create a stylish statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.