The 10 Scariest Things About Designer Handbags And Purses

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashionable staple, they can be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase as time passes.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together the top designers to think about. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

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

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to change from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of stunning, striking bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still found in many outfits.

During WWII, purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for war. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were allowed to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They were a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to show off their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take weeks, or even months to find one due to the high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless can last for decades, unlike many other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most iconic designer handbags ever made.

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

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from the signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways in the last season.

Established in 1952, the brand was the first to introduce ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fan of fashion, you know that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion accessory that demonstrates that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

There are many luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect combination of fashion and function and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and Bag other luxury fashion brands have also made their mark in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a contemporary brand that is renowned for its innovative design and CFDA award-winning styles. The designer bags of the brand showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, including the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label that was founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Additionally other brands have also created their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained popularity with its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that draws the attention of young fashion-conscious women.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets you to lease designer bags based on the season. The designer bags are a mixture of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers a variety 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 season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is made from the signature intercciato of the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied in knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in different colors, but the black with gold YSL logo is an iconic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with geometric shapes. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has seen numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the inspiration for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless due to its directional stitching.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag could be your new everyday designer handbag. It's a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the perfect way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from trendy shoulder bags to bags that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer handbags large backpacks.