The 10 Scariest Things About Designer Handbags And Purses

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.

We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, bags became fashionable and a practical tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from pouches that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.

It was during the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of the bags that were needed for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person were relaxed. Bags that were once thought to be unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and chainmail. These new styles were inspired in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're popular, sales soar. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their fashion. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it could take months, or even weeks to get your hands on one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are an excellent investment if you aren't able to live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to 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 item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has gained recognition.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from the logo style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on a variety of runway looks during the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most recognizable model, and its soft 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 technique, that is exclusive to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. While iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also 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 a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-winning styles. The designer bags offered by the brand offer modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorite. Staud, a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and fun, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A cheap designer bags bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This collection includes both brand new designs that have wowed fashion experts and some staples that have been sought-after for decades.

According to The RealReal's report on resales, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both reviewers and admirers.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato however, it has an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add some interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth considering. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its designer as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.