The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase with time.
We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.
In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal and other materials to create the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own style.
The 60s saw the emergence of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. designer handbags sale outlet on the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and became a key element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and is still found on the arms of models and celebrities today.
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. They became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, even months, to locate one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you can't live without an expensive bag or wish to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable 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 gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be among the most famous designer handbags ever made.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among young people.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. 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 contemporary 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.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and 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 influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you're a fashion-forward individual with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other designer brands that have made their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The brand's bags also feature an ideal balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is well-known for its unique design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags, such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.
Additionally, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season come in many designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for all. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale information report from 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 both critics and fans.
For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in several colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric design. Described as "a piece of art" by the designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could be your next favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.