The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. 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.
We've compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Short Histories
Handbags became more popular as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know 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 the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of fashions.
During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for wartime. The end of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now in a position to explore their own fashion.
The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. Due to the demand, it may take months or even weeks to get your hands one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid speed. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent option for those who cannot be without an expensive bag and are looking to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.
designer handbags sale outlet of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag on her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after in the present, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags 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 an eclectic style and large handles, 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 worn by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined design of the aughts-inspired bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs during the last season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
For those who prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion lover, you know that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.
While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is known for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also developed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim due to its modern and fun approach to bag design. Staud's bags feature a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers an array of sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted 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 and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both critics and fans.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a work of art" by its creator the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole lot of talent to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your next designer handbag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a stylish McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.