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 maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.
To help you make the best decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to consider. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits in the present.
During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.
The 60s saw the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade of the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
designer handbags sale are often named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to find one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live with out an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named in honor of 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 her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags of all time.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from the signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh take on the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks this season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its ready-to-wear clothing with elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style can be seen in its bags. 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.
If you prefer a minimalist 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 balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.
While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made a mark with stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in the year 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are a variety of designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags by the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This edit includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to the RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.
If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine design that can be your next favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.