The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.
We’ve compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s that handbags transformed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer handbags on amazon handbags used (Read Full Report) bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still used in many fashions in the present.
During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for war. After the war the young were granted more freedom and the rules for what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to explore their own style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL’s Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their fashion. Due to high demand, it could take months or even weeks to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Contrary to other trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are an excellent investment if you don’t want to live without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is among the most recognized designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most iconic designer bags in history.
Other designer bags that have reached 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, designer handbags used and Givenchy’s Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influential people and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that’s also growing in popularity with millennials.
While Valentino’s Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu’s ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on numerous runway designs this season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its distinctive feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays 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 method, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend 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, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that shows you’re a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are made using high-quality materials and have a unique aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.
There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful handbags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women’s clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags are also a an ideal combination of fashion and function, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its unique design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women’s wear and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Moreover, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained popularity with 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 with young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion scene. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags based on the season. The company’s designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer handbags in sale bags of the season come in a range of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.
According to The RealReal’s resale report, the most popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage & Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the brand’s signature intercciato with a twist. The strap is tied in a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer handbags amazon as “a masterpiece”, reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.
Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine design that can become your new everyday designer bag.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe whether you’re looking for an upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. Saks The carefully curated collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.