The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and care for it, it will appreciate in value over time.
To assist you in making the best choice, we compiled the top designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Bags became more fashionable as women gained independence and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we see as designer handbags.
It was during the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful bags that were bold and beautiful. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.
In WWII the purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. designer handbags women's closing of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were once thought to be not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable as women were able to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie culture affected fashion trends. A variety of new bags were created. Designers took advantage of the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.
In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and were a major aspect of the fashion world. Many designers reworked classical silhouettes, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are often named after famous people and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. Hermes bags, for instance, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take weeks, even months, to find one due to high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading at a rapid pace. These timeless, well-loved bags are an excellent investment if you can't live with out a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. It was first introduced in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was spotted on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the early stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most famous designer bags in history.
Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather, with large handles and a bohemian look, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette with tassels and tassels, as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also gaining popularity among the millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item but the brand has now moved away from this logo style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on numerous runway designs this season.
Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual look is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes 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 combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer bag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.
There are numerous luxury fashion designers who are known for their stunning bags. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The brand's bags also feature a perfect blend of function and style and signature elements like the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves 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 designs. Designer bags made by the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label that was founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothing and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained recognition for its modern and playful style of bag design. Staud's bags are an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.
There are many other designer bags that have made an impact in the world of fashion, including Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers a diverse selection of colors and sizes. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be an essential addition to your closet. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new items that have impressed fashion experts and some staples that remain coveted for years.
According to a resale data 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.
For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the brand's signature intercciato however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.
The puzzle bag from Loewe is another bag worth looking into. It's a bag that combines function and geometric design. The geometric-shaped designer handbag, described by its creator as "a work of art" It is said to require 75 separate leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. The bag is a favourite of style influencers, including Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both functional as well as timeless thanks to its directionally stitched.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on many celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried anywhere to spacious designer backpacks.