The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take good care of it, its value can increase as time passes.
To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled the top designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Background
Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of outfits.
During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her person were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were able to explore their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A range of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. Due to high demand, it may take weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't be without a designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced 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 across 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 famous designer bags in history.
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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with the millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design 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 known for its upscale clothing that has couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. 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 look.
If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.
There are many designer names who make their mark through beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer 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 mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags made by 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 label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also developed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for all. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.
According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & copyright bags like 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, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. It is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the bag's geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways designer bags outlet online including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe whether you're looking for an 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-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.