The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.
To assist you in making the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short History
As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we see today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.
During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry on her person relaxed. designer handbags women's that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular since women were allowed to explore their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A range of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek 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 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 were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to high demand, it could take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past can last for decades unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are an excellent investment for those who can't live without a designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags in history.
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 shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote that came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from this logo design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was spotted on a variety of runway looks in the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has 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 fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. Designer bags by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Additionally other brands have developed their own style of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018 has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are an exclusive blend of class and whimsy that attracts young fashion-conscious women.
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 lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides an array of sizes and colors. The company also has various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some classics that have remained coveted for a long time.
According to a resale statistics report by 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). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.
For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Another option to think about is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.
Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.