The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.
We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful 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 changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.
In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and numerous new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a
Designer Handbags Women's bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the early 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 recognizable
designer handbags of all time.
Other designer bags that have reached 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 silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles during the last season.
Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual aesthetic is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.
There are many designer names who are known for their stunning bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class 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 their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
In addition, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained popularity for its modern and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are many other designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand provides various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most
Stylish Love Moschino Avorio Shoulder Bag: Elegant Designer Handbag designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have been sought-after for years to come.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by reviewers and admirers.
For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the iconic intercciato from the brand, but with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your next designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.
