17 Signs You Are Working With Designer Handbags And Purses
The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags can be more than just a fashion accessory. They are also a great investment. If you buy a classic bag and maintain it, it will appreciate in value over time.
We've compiled a list of options to help you make a decision. We gathered data from reliable luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What Goes Round Comes Around.
The History of Designer Bags
Bags became more fashionable as women started to work outside of the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we recognize as designer handbags.
It was in the 1950s when bags changed from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of designer bags led to the creation of iconic designs that still adorn many wardrobes today.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and the guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker became popular because women were now in a position to explore their own fashion.
The 60s saw the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers tapped into the creativity of the time with bags made of vinyl, leather, chains and even chainmail. Many of these styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the sexy, libertine attitude of the time.
Designer bags came back into the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and sleek designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success during the decade and is still seen today on the shoulders and arms of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they're 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 desired a certain style. When a new fashion becomes an 'It bag', it could take weeks, even months, to get your hands on one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
Classic designer bags can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that change with a breakneck pace. These enduring, coveted staples are a great option for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin is one of the most well-known designer bags. This iconic bag, named in honor of actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach in the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a sought-after bag, with year-long waiting lists and is considered to be 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 with an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's 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 spotted by influencers and celebrities as well as other influencers, is a recognizable designer bag that is also gaining popularity with young people.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However, the brand has since moved away from the signature style. Instead it has introduced other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. In addition, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is renowned for its upscale clothing that has 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 recognizable model, and its soft leather with a gold chain strap will make any outfit look more stylish.
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique, which is only available to this Italian label. The sleek design and minimal hardware create a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast, you will know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a symbol that proves that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are crafted using high-quality materials and have distinctive design that stands out in a crowd.
There are numerous designer names who create a mark with their beautiful handbags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For example, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and style. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a mark in the designer bag market. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modern interpretations of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women and popular bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Moreover other brands have developed their own styles of designer bags that have become a cult-favorite. Staud is an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018 has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to design of bags. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashion-conscious women.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags that have made a mark in the fashion world. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service where you can hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand comes in an array of colors and sizes. The company has also introduced vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles and are suitable for every 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 popular designer handbags of 2019 are Chanel bags, including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. Other classics such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly desired by both the public and critics.
black designer handbag ’s Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The bag is constructed of the brand's signature intrecciato, but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is the most popular.
Another bag to consider is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by the designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 parts of leather and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent is another brand that has had many of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. This elegant and simple crossbody bag named after the muse for late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its stitching that is directional.
Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on countless stars from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slender but feminine piece that could become your new everyday designer bag.
These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make an sartorial statement by adding a Chanel bag. From trendy shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to spacious designer backpacks, the curated collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.