The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase a classic bag, and take good care of it its value will increase over time.
To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together a list of go-to designers to look at. We gathered information from trusted websites for luxury resales like 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 and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in style and function, to what we know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.
In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal when making bags for wartime. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules about what could be carried by women became looser. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became fashionable because women were free to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bag designs was created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. cheap designer bags revamped classic silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and modern styles. YSL's Muse bag, for example, was a huge hit in the decade and is still found on the shoulders of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to locate one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.
One of the most well-known designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched 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 beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags in history.
Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and 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 fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had 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 supple leather and 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 method, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is a perfect balance of style and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.
There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a a perfect combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.
Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.
There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags by the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and offers various colors and sizes. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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). Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied with 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.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 pieces of leather and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.