Designer bags aren't just a fashion essential, they can also be an excellent investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
We've put together a list of items to aid you in making a choice. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Histories
Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we now know as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having elegant, stunning bags that were sought-after by celebrities. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic styles that still adorn many wardrobes today.
During WWII purse designs changed as manufacturers utilized less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought the dawn of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women became looser. Bags that were previously considered not fashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic became fashionable because women were now free to explore their own style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and a plethora of new designs for bags were developed. Designers tapped into the creativity of the era with bags made of vinyl, leather chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the era.
In the 1990s designer bags were back on the radar and were a major aspect of the fashion world. 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 during the decade, and can still be seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. Hermes bags, for example, were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their fashion. When a style is deemed to be an 'it bag' it could take months, or even weeks, to locate one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Unlike many other trends in fashion that change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last for decades. These enduring, coveted staples are an excellent investment for those who can't be without an expensive bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is among the most well-known designer bags. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame on the arm Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought after today, with long waiting lists and is considered to be among the most famous designer handbags ever made.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained fame because it was carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures, is another designer bag that has become recognizable.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling but the brand has now moved away from the signature style and has released other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend and was seen on a variety of runway looks in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing with exquisite details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its supple leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
designer handbags to sell 's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a minimalist clutch that takes around eight hours to weave using the intrecciato method, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create the perfect balance between practicality and style.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion-conscious person you're aware that purses are more than mere accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are designed using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.
Although iconic designer bags like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are well-known but there are many more luxury fashion designers that make their mark with gorgeous handbags. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's clothes and accessories that ooze sophistication and classic American style. The bags are also a a perfect balance of function and fashion, with signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other fashion houses have also made a name for themselves in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is known for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.
Other brands have also designed their own designer bags which have become cult favorite. For example, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a brand based in Los Angeles that has gained acclaim 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 with young fashionistas and influencers.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made their mark on the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that allows you to lease designer bags by the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand offers various 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 is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The best designer bags of the season are available in a variety of shapes, colors and styles and therefore there's something for all. This selection includes both new pieces that have thrilled fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to a resale information report from The RealReal, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and the Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). Other classics, like the Hermes Birkin Bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought-after by both fans and critics.
Bottega Venetas Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer 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 is available in various colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth a look. It's a bag that combines function and 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 skill to make. The bag is a favorite among fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag named after the inspiration behind late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless due to its directional stitching.
Other designers such as Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a slim feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch luxury to your wardrobe regardless of whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. Saks' curated collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.
