The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase over time.
To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Background
Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry 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 see today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s that handbags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic styles which are still found in many outfits.
In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials in the production of bags required for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her body relaxed. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became popular as women were free to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s with chains, vinyl, leather and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When designer handbags in sale is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months, to find one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great option for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer handbags in history.
Other designer bags that have achieved 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 Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on plenty of runway styles this season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
If you prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. It is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted with quality materials and a unique aesthetic that is distinctive in a crowd.
There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning handbags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function 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 was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.
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 a variety of shapes and styles, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some classics that have been coveted for a long time.
According to the RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" 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 fashion influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had numerous of its items on the front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.
If you're looking for an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.