The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase a classic bag and take good care of it its value will increase over time.
We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Background
Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. designer handbags vintage of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.
In WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were able to experiment with their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers capitalized on the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new fashions were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have 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 emulate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to live without a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's 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 celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling, the brand has moved away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined rendition of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.
Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine yet casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.
There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. 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 from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.
Moreover other brands have also created their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained popularity with its playful and contemporary approach to design of bags. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand comes in various colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes, so there's something for every person. This edit includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have been coveted for years to come.
According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.
For a more contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colorways but the black with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of skill to create. The bag is a favorite among style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directionally stitched.
Many stars have been seen wearing bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.