Designer Handbags And Purses: 11 Things You're Not Doing
The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags are more than just an accessory. They can also be an excellent investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care, its value can increase with time.
We've compiled a list to assist you in making a decision. We gathered data from reliable websites for luxury resales such as Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round 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 were fashionable and also a useful tool to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt, through a series of changes in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.
In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation as the designers of gorgeous, bold bags. They were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of designer bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which can still be seen in a variety of outfits.
During WWII the purse designs were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal when making bags for the war. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried by women were relaxed. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, gained popularity because women were now allowed to explore their own style.
The 60s witnessed the rise of youth culture and hippie attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s using chains, vinyl, leather, and chains. Many of these new styles were inspired by Op Art, space travel and the libertine, carefree attitude of the time.
Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Many designers reworked classic silhouettes like the structured, boxy bag to create more contemporary and sleek styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance, was a huge success in the decade of the decade, and is still seen today on the arms and shoulders of models and celebrities.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and when they gain the attention of celebrities, sales explode. 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 fashion. Due to the demand, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to acquire one of these bags.
Iconic Designer Bags
Designer bags from the past can last for a long time unlike other fashion trends that are fading with a breakneck pace. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who can't live without an expensive bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags available is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of Princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. Today the Birkin is a sought-after bag with year long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags in history.
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 an eclectic style and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired silhouette and tassels that reference Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came 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 millennials.
Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since moved away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags like the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern is a reimagined rendition of the style of the aughts bags. It was featured on many runways in the past season.
The brand was established in 1952 and is renowned for its ready-to-wear clothing with exquisite details. Its signature feminine but casual style can be seen in its bags. designer handbags uk pays tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its soft leather and gold chain strap will elevate any look.
For those who prefer a less formal style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a technique referred to as intrecciato, a method that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag is the perfect balance of elegance and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimal hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're an avid fashionista, you will know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows that you're a trend-setter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a a unique aesthetic.
While the iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names, there are many other fashion houses that make their mark through beautiful bags. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand that is known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand offer a perfect balance of function and style. The brand's signature elements include the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their mark with stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded styles. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino, a luxury fashion label founded in 1959 is among the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothing and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also created their own designer bags which have become cult favorites. For instance, Staud, which was launched in 2018, is a Los Angeles-based brand that has gained acclaim for its contemporary and playful approach to bag design. The bags of the brand have an exclusive blend of class and fun that attracts young fashionistas.
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 bags are designed by the company and feature an array of modern and classic designs, and the brand offers various sizes and colors. The company has also introduced various vegan bags that are becoming more popular in the fashion world.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag is a timeless accessory to add to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season are available in many shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for every person. This selection includes a few new pieces that have enthralled fashion experts as well as classics that have been sought-after for a long time.
According to a resale data report by 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 Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by the public and the critics.
Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag is a contemporary designer bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a twist that is quite literal: the strap is tied into knots that add interest to the design. The bag is available in several colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
Another option to think about is Loewe's Puzzle bag, that is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a work of art", reportedly takes 75 separate leather pieces and a lot skill to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers love the bag.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. Named in honor of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this elegant and simple crossbody bag is both functional and timeless thanks to its directional quilting.
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 new everyday designer bag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
These bags will add a touch elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from trendy shoulder bags to satchels which can be carried wherever to spacious designer backpacks.