20 Things You Must Know About Designer Handbags And Purses

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They are also a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase over time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale websites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Happens Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool for carrying money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved over time, from pouches worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to change from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of bags with a brand name resulted in the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war marked a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were in a position to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and a plethora of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited style of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the radar and became a significant aspect of the fashion world. Numerous designers revamped classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit during the decade and can still be seen on the arm of celebrities and models today.

designer handbags large bags are usually named after a famous person and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They were a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. Due to high demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to find one of these bags.

Iconic Designer Bags

Designer bags that are timeless will last for years unlike other fashion trends that come and go with a breakneck pace. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless fashion to your wardrobe.

One of the most well-known designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named after 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 on her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian vibe, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired silhouette and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame after being carried by influencers, celebrities and other notable people and is another bag from the designer that has become recognizable.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory The brand has shifted away from the signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag, with its ruched design is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

Established in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a less formal style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion-conscious person and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

While iconic designer bag brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a high-end fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude class and classic American style. The bags of the brand are a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a marks with fashionable bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded styles. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was founded in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women, as well as popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favorites. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary style of bag design. Staud's bags feature an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with a diverse selection of sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This edit includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.

According to The RealReal's resale report for 2019, the most sought-after designer handbags 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. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato however, it has twists. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric design. The bag is described as "a piece of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 leather components and a lot of skill to create. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love 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. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine piece that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for all.