A Journey Back In Time What People Said About Designer Handbags And Purses 20 Years Ago

The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than just 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 over time.

To assist you in making the right choice, we compiled a list of go-to designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

The History of Designer Bags

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags became a fashion accessory and a practical tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small 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 when bags changed from being practical to a status symbol as more designers flooded the market. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of designer bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many wardrobes.

In WWII purse designs changed since manufacturers used less metal and other materials in the production of bags needed for war. The end of the war marked an era of freedom for young people, and guidelines regarding what was acceptable to be carried by women were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were in a position to explore their own fashion.

In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of innovative designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the time with bags in leather, vinyl chains, chains and chainmail. Many of these 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 radar and were a major element of the fashion industry. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more sleek and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse Bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are named after famous handbag designers people. Once they're well-known, sales rise. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. They became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new style becomes a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months, to find one due to high demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

Classic designer bags will last for years unlike other fashion trends that change at a rapid speed. These timeless, sought-after essentials are a great option for those who cannot be without the latest designer bag and want to add a timeless look to their wardrobe.

One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. Originally launched in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, this iconic bag became famous when it was seen on the arm of Princess Grace Kelly, who carried the bag across her stomach to conceal the beginning stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags in history.

Other designer bags that have achieved the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather and Chloe's Marcie bag with a bohemian flair and oversized handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired design and tassels that refer to Greek mythology. Celine's luggage bag, which gained popularity after being carried by celebrities, influencers and other notable figures and is another bag from the designer that is now well-known.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory but the brand has now moved away from the signature design and has launched other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched style, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was seen on many runways over the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was the first to introduce fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual style is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most recognizable model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

If you prefer a minimalist style, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide the perfect balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, bags can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is a fashion statement that demonstrates you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. Designer bags are constructed with top-quality materials and feature distinct design.

There are a variety of designer names who make their mark through beautiful bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. For instance, a high-end 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. Signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.

Other luxury fashion brands that have made a marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The brand's designer handbags pink bags showcase a modern take on classic shapes, like the Gilda Mini Box Bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is best known for its feminine clothing designed for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Pandora bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also created their own bags that have become cult favourites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand are a unique mix of sophistication and whimsy, which draws the attention of young fashionistas.

Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bag brands who have made their mark on the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective is a luxury rental service that lets customers to rent designer bags based on the season. The designer bags offered by the company are a mix of contemporary and classic styles and comes with various sizes and colors. The company also offers a variety of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly fashionable among fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags are available in a variety shapes and styles that will suit any occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to a resale data report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags in 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 such as the Hermes Birkin Bag and Designer Handbags London Prada Saffiano Tote remain highly sought after with both fans and critics.

Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary Designer Handbags London bag. The purse is made of the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a rather literal twist--the strap is tied in a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a true classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a masterpiece" by its designer, the geometric-shaped designer bag is said to require 75 distinct parts of leather and a amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favorite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer label that has featured numerous of its items on the fashion week front rows, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named after the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many stars have been seen sporting bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

If you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add an element of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the carefully curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to have something for all.