The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
designer handbags amazon bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it, it can appreciate in value over time.
We’ve compiled a list of options to assist you in making a decision. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
As women began to work outside of the home and gained more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other essentials. Bags have evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist in Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, bags began to evolve from practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits in the present.
During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed to carry war supplies. The closing of the war brought an era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity since women were able to explore their own style.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, like the classic, structured purse to create more modern and contemporary designs. The YSL Muse bag, for example, famous Handbag designers was a huge hit in the decade that followed and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous handbag designers; Peatix`s recent blog post, people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted their style. Due to the demand, it may take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag gained 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. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.
Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy’s Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe’s Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and famous handbag designers the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that’s also growing in popularity among the millennials.
While Valentino’s Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from its signature style and has released other bags that are memorable, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu’s ruched Metalasse bag is a modern version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on numerous runway designs in the past season.
Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand’s most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag’s streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses are more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you’re a trendsetter who has impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.
There are a variety of fashion designers that make their mark through beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women’s wear and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Other fashion houses that have made their marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags made by the brand are a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine women’s clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Additionally, other brands have created their own styles of designer bags that have become a popular cult. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in the year 2018, has gained recognition for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which attracts young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic styles, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are increasingly 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 of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This selection includes both new designs that have wowed fashion experts as well as some classics that are coveted for a long time.
According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the 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 reviewers and admirers.
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed from the brand’s signature intercciato, but with twists. The strap is tied with knots to add some 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 Loewe’s Puzzle bag that combines function with geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as «a work of art» It is said to require 75 leather pieces and a lot of skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its products on the front row of fashion week including the LouLou Toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.
Many celebrities have been seen in bags from other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.
These bags will add a dash of luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you’re looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.