Drusilla Klug asked 4 months ago
The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren’t just a fashion essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We collected data from reputable luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in both design and function to what we recognize today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and Designer handbags and purses become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits.
During WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make bags required to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried on a woman’s person were looser. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were now free to explore their own style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new fashions were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the era.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL’s Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were sought-after by women who wanted their style. Due to the demand, it may take a few weeks or even months to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags that are timeless can last for a long time, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you don’t want to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, shot to fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after and has long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most famous handbag designers designer handbags 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 that has an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine’s luggage tote bag, which gained popularity due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.
Valentino’s Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. 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. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen 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.
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 sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create a perfect combination of practicality and designer handbags and Purses elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you’re a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you’re a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.
There are numerous luxury fashion designers who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand that is known for its feminine women’s clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and fashion. Signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing designed for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The brand’s bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to 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 offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there’s something for all. This collection includes both brand new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.
According to a resale information report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand however, it has twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Another option to think about is Loewe’s Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The bag is described as “a masterpiece” by the designer the bag’s geometric design reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its products on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from 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 touch luxury to your wardrobe, 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 roomy designer backpacks, the selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.