Its History Of Designer Handbags And Purses
The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just a fashionable essential, they can also be a great investment. If you purchase an old-fashioned bag and care for it, it will increase in value over time.
To help you make the best selection, we've compiled an extensive list of designers to think about. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Histories
Bags became more popular as women became independent and began working outside the home. They were also used to carry makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist from Ancient Egypt through a series changes in style and function, to what we see as designer handbags.
In the 1950s as more designers came into the market, handbags changed from being practical to status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained the reputation of having stunning, striking bags that were sought-after by the elite. The popularity of brand bags led to the development of iconic designs that are still found in many outfits.
In WWII the designs of purses changed slightly as manufacturers used less metal when making bags for war. After the war young people were granted more freedom and were given the option of deciding regarding what women could carry around were relaxed. Bags that were once considered unfashionable, like drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to experiment with their personal style.
In the 60s, youth culture and hippie attitude were a major influence on fashion trends. A variety of new bag designs was created. Designers were inspired by the whimsy of the time with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. Many of these modern 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. Many designers reworked classical designs, like the structured, boxy purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. The YSL Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade that followed and is still seen on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are usually named after famous people and once they gain a celebrity following sales skyrocket. Hermes bags, for example were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags were sought-after by women who wanted their style. When a new fashion becomes an 'it bag' it can take weeks, or even months, to find one due to the high demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed, classic designer bags have a long-lasting appeal that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great option for those who cannot be without a designer bag and are looking to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.
One of the most famous designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. This iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame through the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. The Birkin bag is sought-after in the present, with long wait lists and is considered to be among the most recognizable designer handbags of all time.
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 with an edgy look and large handles and the Givenchy Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. Celine's luggage-tote bag, which gained a lot of attention due to its use by influencers, celebrities and other notable figures as well as other notable figures, is another designer bag that has gained recognition.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a fashion darling The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the modern Cleo. Additionally, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a reimagined take on the aughts bag trend and was spotted on plenty of runway styles in the past season.
Founded in 1952, the brand was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothes with couture details and its distinctive feminine yet casual look is evident in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most influential model, and its soft leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any outfit.
If you 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. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimal hardware create a perfect combination of practicality and elegance.
Designer Bag Brands
If you're a fashion enthusiast you'll know that purses can be more than just functional accessories. A designer bag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made with top-quality materials and feature a unique aesthetic.
There are many luxury fashion designers 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 premium brand known for its feminine women's wear and accessories that ooze class. The bags of the brand also offer the perfect balance of function and fashion and signature elements like the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made a mark with their stylish bags that are designer include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a contemporary fashion brand that is known for its innovative designs and CFDA-awarded designs. The brand's designer bags showcase contemporary versions of classic shapes, such as the Gilda Mini-Box Bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a fashion-forward luxury brand that was established in 1959. The brand is most well-known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo purse and the Givenchy Pandora bag.
Other brands have also designed their own bags that have become cult favorite. Staud is which is a Los Angeles based brand, launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its contemporary and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand have an unique blend of sophistication and whimsy, which makes them popular with young fashionistas.
Moschino and Vivrelle Collective are two other designer bags brands that have made a mark in the fashion industry. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The company's designer bags feature an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of sizes and colors. The company has also launched various vegan bags that are becoming more fashionable in the fashion industry.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your closet. designer handbags on sale are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors, offering something for every occasion. This edit includes new hero items that have impressed fashion experts, as well as classics that have been sought-after for years to come.
According to a resale data report from 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 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 critics and fans.
For a modern and contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is constructed from the signature intercciato of the brand, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with a knot to add interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors and the black one with gold YSL logo is an iconic.
Loewe's puzzle bag is another bag worth looking into. It is a combination of functionality and sculptural geometry. Described as "a work of art" by its creator, the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather components and a lot of talent to create. The bag is a favorite of fashion influencers like Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways and includes the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple but impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless thanks to its quilting that is directional.
Many celebrities have been seen sporting bags by other designers, such as Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag could be your new designer handbag. It's a boxy feminine accessory.
If you're in search of a new party-ready McQueen clutch or want to make a statement with a Chanel bag These bags are the ideal way to add the luxury look to your wardrobe. Saks' carefully selected collection of designer bags includes everything from fashionable shoulder bags to satchels that can be carried everywhere to spacious designer backpacks.