The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer Handbags Outlet bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care its value will increase as time passes.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to look at. We sourced data from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

designer handbags on sale Bags: A Short Histories

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the early 1900s, designer handbags Outlet handbags were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other essentials. Bags evolved from pouches worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in style and function, to what we know today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags transformed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers entered the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as designers of beautiful, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many outfits today.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal to make bags for wartime. After the war young people were granted more freedom and the rules regarding what women could carry on her body were relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, became fashionable because women were allowed to experiment with their own fashion.

The 60s saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity and innovation of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. Many of these modern designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.

In the 1990s, designer bags were back on the agenda and became a key part of the fashion world. Designers reworked classic silhouettes such as the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success in the decade, and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become popular, sales soar. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it can take weeks, or even months to get your hands on one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many fashion trends, which change at a rapid speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you can't be without a designer bag or want to add some timeless style to your wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of 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 highly sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Other designer bags that have reached the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a fashion icon. However, the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead it has launched other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, that is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion lover and you're aware of the importance of purses, they are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.

There are many designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. 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 clothes and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the market for designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its unique designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The designer bags of the brand showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand founded in 1959. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and bags that are extremely popular such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Additionally, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult favorite. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its playful and contemporary approach to bag design. The brand's bags have a unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas and influencers.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The bags are designed by the company and feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and offers various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are increasingly popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in many shapes, colors and styles There's something for every person. This collection includes new hero pieces that have enthralled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been coveted for years to come.

According to the RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags like the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) & Gucci bags like the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

If you're looking for a more modern designer bag, consider Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied with a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth considering. It combines functionality and geometric design. The handbag is geometrically designed and described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as 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. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, like Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a slim yet feminine accessory that could become your new everyday designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from stylish shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.