The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it the value of it will increase as time passes.
We've put together a list of items to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens 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, handbags became fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we recognize as designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.
In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags required for war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to play around with their personal fashion.
The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant part of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. designer handbags brands to the high demand, it could take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who can't be without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most famous designer bags ever made.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
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 like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and 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 technique, that is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fan of fashion and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.
There are numerous fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For example, 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 are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959 is among the most storied brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are also many other designer bags brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes There's something for everyone. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some staples that have been coveted for a long time.
According to a resale statistics report from 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 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 sought-after by both fans and critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is a classic.
Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather parts and a whole lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its directional quilting.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can be your next favorite 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 want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-all-day satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for anyone.