17 Signs To Know If You Work With Designer Handbags And Purses

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion accessory, they can be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and take good care of it, its value can increase with time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and also a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.

It was in the 1950s when bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still used in many fashions today.

During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal in the production of bags for the war. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were able to experiment with their own style.

In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie culture influenced fashion trends. A range of new bags were created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. Many of these modern styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the carefree libertine attitudes of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge hit in the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after a famous person and once they have an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, even months to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years, unlike many other fashion trends that come and go at a rapid pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent option for those who cannot live without a designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a highly sought-after bag with year long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer handbags vintage bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce designer clothes and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance, thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.

designer handbags pink Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that shows you're a fashion-forward individual who has impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and an exclusive design that is distinctive in a crowd.

There are numerous designer names who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like 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 clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-winning designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase modern interpretations of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity due to its modern and fun approach to design of bags. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, making them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are also many other designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to rent designer bags by the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This collection includes new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as some staples that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale information 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, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, which combines functionality with geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured many of its products on the front rows of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This sleek and elegant crossbody bag, named after the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due 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 boxy but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding an Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.