The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than a fashion accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase as time passes.

To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to consider. We sourced data from reputable luxury resales sites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt, through a series changes in design and function, to what we recognize today as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes quickly gained recognition as designers of beautiful and bold bags. They were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic styles that are still seen in many fashions.


In WWII purse designs changed slightly as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and the rules regarding what could be carried around by women became looser. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were in a position to experiment with their own fashion.

www.onlinedesignerhandbags.uk saw the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends and numerous new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time by creating bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. These new designs were influenced by Op Art, space exploration and the unpretentious style of the era.

Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes like the boxy, structured purse to create more modern and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and when they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a coveted accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a new style becomes an 'it bag' it could take weeks, even months to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Unlike many other trends in fashion that are ablaze at a breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a longevity that can last decades. These enduring, coveted staples are a great investment for those who cannot live without the latest designer bag and are looking to add some timeless style to their wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. Originally launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag shot to fame when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to hide the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be one of the most iconic designer bags ever made.

Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag that has a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being carried by influencers and celebrities, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity with the millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts bag style. It was featured on many runways in the past season.

Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer in ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.

If you prefer a more minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the 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 you're aware that purses are more than just practical accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

While iconic designer bag brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other luxury fashion designers that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect blend of function and style with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo as well as classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags from the brand are a modern twist on classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury label founded in 1959, is among the most storied brands in the world. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favourites. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018 is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained recognition due to its modern and fun style of bag design. The brand's bags have an unmistakable blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular among young fashionistas and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bags that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an elegant addition to your closet. The most stylish designer bags of the season are available in a variety of designs, colors and shapes and therefore there's something for everyone. This edit includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that are coveted for a long time.

According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with critics and fans.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into a knot that adds an element of interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. It is described as "a piece of art" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. 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 rows of fashion week including the LouLou toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag, named in honor of the inspiration behind the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and 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 could be your next designer bag. It is a boxy, feminine accessory.

If you're in search of an elegant new McQueen clutch or make a sartorial statement with a Chanel bag these bags are the perfect choice to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for everyone.