The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

To assist you in making the best decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short Background

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, bags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still found in many wardrobes.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for the war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now able to play around with their personal style.

The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured Stylish Vintage Burgundy Backpack Purse for Women to create more sleek and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.

Stylish Designer Electric Handbag: Waterproof - Lightweight - Digital Lock bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted to show off their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great option for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, Stylish Designer Electric Handbag: Waterproof - Lightweight - Digital Lock with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern take on the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its signature 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 soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.

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 an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark with gorgeous handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The brand's bags also feature a perfect balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women, as well as popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent Stylish Men's Designer Crossbody Bag with Tablet Holder bags based on the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the iconic intercciato from the brand with twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another bag worth considering is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding the Chanel bag. From trending 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 everyone.