The Best of
Designer Handbags and PursesDesigner bags aren't just an aesthetic staple, they can be a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
To help you make the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to think about. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags changed from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits in the present.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal to make bags for wartime. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were now free to experiment with their personal style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a key part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and modern styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for
Designer Handbags and Purses instance was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags were sought-after by women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it could take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without a designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. This iconic bag,
designer handbags and Purses named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous through the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has 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 bag, which gained popularity because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other prominent figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles during the last season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
For those who 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. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinctive design.
Although iconic designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags made by the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
In addition other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.
There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire
designer handbags for women bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mix of modern and classic styles. The brand offers a variety of sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as some staples that have been coveted for years to come.
According to a resale statistics report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.