The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than just an accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase a classic bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
To help you make the best choice, we compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside of the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.
During WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for the war. The closing of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and rules about 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 fashionable as women were now free to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, the youth culture and hippie attitude influenced fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags in leather, vinyl, chains, and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back in fashion and were a major element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade that followed and can still be seen on the arms of celebrities and models today.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they have the attention of celebrities, sales explode. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks 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 come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after essentials are an excellent investment for those who can't live without the latest designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most famous designer bags ever made.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity among young people.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the logo style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on numerous runways during the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in the bags it offers. 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 elevate any look.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is exclusive to this Italian label. It is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality with its streamlined silhouette and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fan of fashion you're aware that purses are more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
There are a variety of designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. While iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of functionality and fashion. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made their mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was founded in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the oldest brands in the world. The company is best known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unique blend of class and fun, making them popular with 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 lease designer bags according to the season. The designer bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers an array of colors and sizes. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for all. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that are coveted for a long time.
According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and 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 the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand with a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various shades, but the black one with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.
The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece" It is said to require 75 pieces of leather and a lot skill 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 fashion week front rows including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a slim, feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding an Chanel bag. silver designer bags of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to bags which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.