Designer Handbags

The History behind Designer Handbags

Often regarded as a symbol of luxury and class, having a designer handbag draped over your arm can give a woman sophistication and grace that just isn’t achievable through high street knock offs. Here at the Secret Sales HQ designer handbags are likened to gold dust, everyone wants one. We can barely remember a time when we weren’t adding to our handbag collections – the designer bag craze is something we have no shame being part of.

Our love affair with wonderful designer accessories is nothing new though. Throughout history, women have always lusted after high fashion accessories (who can blame them?) Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent once said ‘accessories are what in my opinion pull the whole look together and make it unique.’ He couldn’t be truer.

Since the post-war 1950’s, fashion became a predominant part in women’s lives again. Rations had long stopped, and the choice to spend a little luxury on one’s self was undeniable. Carefully coordinated accessories distinguished a lady with style. Popular icons of the time Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly became fashion muses for the public, even off screen their everyday ensembles were perfectly matched with beautiful accessories.

At the time, feminine dressing was on trend, personified through handbags with small handles that could be delicately draped over the arm. The demand for what we now call ‘It bags’ was happening over 50 years ago. In the fifties, it was the ‘Kelly’ bag – a leather Hermès bag that was named after actress Grace Kelly as she was seen wearing it so often. Waiting lists for the Kelly bag became epic; typically the wait could last up to a year. The exclusivity for these handbags helped propel designer bags into their own extraordinary market.

Designer bags were not meant to be for everyone, this was all part of their allure. Whilst the glamorous elite had designer bags at their disposal, for many regular women, the high cost of designer handbags made them out of reach. During the fifties, imitation leather bags and homemade crochet bags became popular alternatives.

Nowadays, replica designer bags can be seen everywhere. From high street bags subtly inspired by runway styles, to the counterfeit designer bags you’ll find in dodgy markets. Copying the looks of designer bags is a trend that won’t be going anywhere, because as it has been for a long time they are a source of creative inspiration. Owning a genuine designer bag is like owning a token of that creativity. And like the many designer bags of past and present, creativity is key when it comes to making a fashion statement.
 

Designer Handbags – Classic Styles

As most girls know it can be hard for our bank accounts to keep up with emerging fashion trends. Whilst our wardrobes are subject to a cleanout every season, accessories are something which can last us a lot longer. Though it would be a privilege to own as many designer handbags as we do socks, for many of us that’s just a distant (but very hopeful) dream.

One of the greatest attributes that most designer handbags share is that they are investment pieces. Top quality materials and manufacturing have ensured these treasured gems with a stylish lifetime guarantee. Treat your designer handbag right and it’ll see you through all the pushing and shoving of a frenzied Primark sale and more. Often regarded as collector’s items, designer handbags are created in mind with timeless style that will out see the constant revolving doors of fashion. A great designer bag can quickly make any outfit in vogue.

The fashion industry’s biggest players offer some of the most coveted designer handbags. If a bag has Chanel’s golden intertwined double CC’s, Dior in shiny silver, or the Prada triangle symbol – it’s pretty much already an instant hit. Signature brand labels give designer bags an immediate advantage. Labels like Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs are constantly producing designer handbags emblazoned with their brand’s label. And if it isn’t labels, sometimes it’s signature materials or logos that can make a designer bag stand out. Think Juicy Couture, Coach, Burberry and of course Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton’s ‘LV’ signs are infamous, seen on everything from travel luggage, purses, and bags.

Like Louis Vuitton’s ever popular bags, there are a number of designers who have reached cult status by producing some of the most sought after bags. Chloe’s Paddington bag, Mulberry, Balenciaga and Luella – these are just a few of the hottest designers in recent years who have churned out It bags. A favourite amongst celebrities, It bags tend to get their status through being toted around by some of the most famous names. An example is actress Jane Birkin who managed to convince Hermès into producing her own bag. The much prized Birkin bag was made after complaining that the Kelly bag was not practical enough for everyday use. With years of popularity Hermès Birkin bag could be crowned as the It bag, featured in stylish shows like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. Like the Kelly bag, this Hermès masterpiece can see a long waiting list, but is mostly seen on the arm of stars like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Oprah. Here at Secret Sales we don’t like to keep our fashionistas waiting though. Check out our gorgeous range of designer handbags that every It girl will want on her wish list.