The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags aren't just a fashion essential, they can also be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it with care, its value can increase over time.

We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We collected data from reputable websites for luxury resales like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags 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 came into the market, bags changed from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation as designers of stunning, bold bags. They were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles that are still seen in many fashions.

During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed for war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and a greater choice regarding what women could carry on her person relaxed. Bags that were considered to be unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now able to play around with their personal fashion.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains, and even chainmail. Many of these designs were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the era.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic silhouettes, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more contemporary and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and can still be seen on the shoulders and arms of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are usually named after a famous person and once they have a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wished to imitate their style. When a style is deemed to be an 'It bag', it can take months, or even weeks to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Contrary to other fashion trends, which are ablaze at a breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who can't be without the latest designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. The Birkin was first launched in 1984 and named in honor of the actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag over her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is considered one of the most recognizable designer bags ever made.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design, tassels, and references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by celebrities and influencers and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that's also growing in popularity among the millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was once a fashion favorite. However the brand has since shifted away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags, such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the style of the aughts bags. It was seen on many runways in the past season.

The brand was established in 1952 and is famous for its upscale clothing that has elegant details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual aesthetic can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is an ode to the brand's most popular model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will instantly 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. It is a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, with its sleek silhouette and minimal hardware.

Designer Bag Brands

If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses are more than just functional items. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are designed with high-quality materials and a unique aesthetic that makes a statement in the crowd.

There are numerous designer names who are known for their stunning handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example, is a luxury brand known for its feminine women's clothes and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand also offer a perfect balance of function and style. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothes for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Moreover, other brands have created their own style of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, which makes them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are many other designer bag brands that have made their mark in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows customers to rent designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various colors and sizes. The company has also launched several vegan bags, which are becoming more popular in the fashion industry.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This selection includes a few new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is made of the signature intercciato of the brand with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add an element of interest to the design. The bag comes in different colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another option to think about is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that combines function with geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other fashion influencers love the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week and includes the LouLou toy bag. Named after sophisticated style of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities including Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a boxy yet feminine accessory that could be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer handbags has everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.