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The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

To help you make the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief Histories

Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in both design and function to what we see today as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for the war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and a greater choice for what a woman could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months, to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you can't be without a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag, with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable people, is another designer bag that is now well-known.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has couture details. Its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly make any outfit look more stylish.

For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are a variety of luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. 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 style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish  designer bags  include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

In addition other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The brand provides an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for everyone. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 desired by both the public and critics.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the brand's signature intercciato with twists. The strap is tied in a knot to add interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front rows of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen in bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.