10 Things We All Are Hating About Designer Handbags And Purses

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

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

We've compiled a list of options to aid you in making a choice. We gathered data from reputable luxury resales sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from bags worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we call designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags changed from being practical to status symbols. 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 brand bags led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of wardrobes.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials to create the bags that were required for war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now able to experiment with their own style.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity and innovation of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious attitude of the time.

In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major part of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. When they are popular, sales soar. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take months or even weeks to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous 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 waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags ever made.

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 a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained fame due to its use by celebrities, influencers and other notable people, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design, 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 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinct design.

There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. 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 modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's wear and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.

Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer handbags discounted bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with various 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 most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts as well as classics that have been coveted for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer bags 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. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by the public and the 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 rather literal twist--the strap is tied in a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in several shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and geometric shapes. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its designer Handbags discounted as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of expertise to create. The bag is a favorite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front of the fashion week runways including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, including 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 elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to have something for all.