The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase as time passes.
To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.
In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to create the bags that were required for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were able to experiment with their own style.
The 60s saw the emergence of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. 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. Due to the high demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their 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, shot to fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags ever made.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with an eclectic style and large 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 influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among the millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks during the last season.
Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most iconic model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are an avid fashionista, you will know that bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.
While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known There are many other fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature the perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud, which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained popularity with its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are many other designer bag brands 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 lease designer bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.
white handbag designer is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of 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 combines function with geometric shapes. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" it is reported to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could 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 fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.