When it comes to fashion, handbags are one of the most important accessories for women. American handbag brands are among the most popular in the world, with their products being recognized for their designs. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most popular American handbag brands, their history, signature bags, presence in movies and on celebrities, and retail prices.
1. Coach
Founded in New York City in 1941, Coach is a luxury bag brand that has become a benchmark in the field of the luxury leather goods industry. Originally, Coach was a family-run business with a focus on high-quality leather craftsmanship, but it has since evolved into a global fashion powerhouse. Coach bags are some of the most recognizable in the world, and their iconic "C" pattern is a hallmark of the brand. The company has collaborated with celebrities like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and Michael B. Jordan, to launch special collections.
Coach Signature Bags:
- The Coach Rogue is a timeless classic that stands out for its versatility, innovative design, and practicality.
- The Coach Parker bag is another signature style that features a sleek silhouette, a beautiful leather body, and a double-turnlock closure.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Coach bags have been featured in movies such as "The Hangover, "Sex and the City," and "Friends with Benefits."
- Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Kate Bosworth, and Rachel McAdams, have been seen carrying Coach bags.
Retail Prices:
Coach handbags generally range from $200 to $1200, with the specific styles mentioned varying in price. For example, the Coach Rogue bag starts at $695 while the Coach Parker bag starts at $350.
2. Michael Kors
Michael Kors is an American luxury brand that is known for its glamorous gold-toned handbags that are inspired by high-end fashion. Founded by Michael Kors in 1981, it has become one of America's most beloved fashion brands. Today, Michael Kors offers a wide range of products, including bags, watches, clothing, and shoes. It is also well-known for its philanthropic work, including supporting initiatives to combat world hunger.
While there's a debate regarding whether Michael Kors is truly a luxury handbag brand, considering the price range is often below $700 per handbag, its growing popularity is undeniable. Mainly these debates are pinpointed by the fact that Michael Kors often offers discounts watering down the brand's value.
Yet it's hard to deny that the look of their bags appeals to a broad audience. They did a good job of bringing the haute couture designs to mass market and just as Zara capitalized on the time to market.
Signature Bags:
- The Michael Kors Jet Set Tote is a chic and elegant bag that is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
- The Michael Kors Hamilton bag is another iconic style that features a unique design, a spacious interior, and multiple compartments.
- The Taryn Large Leather bag tote retails for $298 only
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Michael Kors bags have been featured in movies such as "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "The Hangover III," and "Sex and the City."
- Celebrities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and Reese Witherspoon have been seen carrying Michael Kors bags.
Retail Prices:
Michael Kors handbags generally range from around $200 to $600, depending on the style. The Michael Kors Jet Set Tote starts at $198 while the Michael Kors Hamilton bag retails for $498, however, you can often find discounts of up to 80% (yes, that's correct, you can purchase one at the official website for a little over $100).
3. Kate Spade
Kate Spade New York is a top luxury bag brand that was founded in 1993 by designer Kate Spade. The brand is recognized for its playful and colorful designs, and its iconic bags are popular with women all over the world. Kate Spade offers a broad range of products, including bags, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home furnishings.
Signature Bags:
- The Kate Spade Sam bag is a classic and timeless design, perfect for everyday use.
- The Kate Spade Nicola Twistlock bag is another signature style that features a quirky, modern design, and comes in various colors and materials.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Kate Spade bags have been featured in movies such as "Bride Wars," "The Sweetest Thing," and "Confessions of a Shopaholic."
- Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kristen Bell, and Blake Lively have been seen carrying Kate Spade bags.
Retail Prices:
Kate Spade handbags generally range from $100 to $500. The Kate Spade Sam bag starts at $198 while the Kate Spade Nicola Twistlock bag starts at $298.
4. Tory Burch
Tory Burch is an American fashion brand that was launched in 2004 by designer Tory Burch. The brand is known for its contemporary and chic designs, which feature bold prints, vibrant colors, and unique materials. Tory Burch is also dedicated to philanthropic work and has launched several initiatives to support causes such as women's empowerment and education.
Signature Bags:
- The Tory Burch Robinson Tote is a classic style with a structured shape, a spacious interior, and various compartments for organization.
- The Tory Burch Ella tote is another signature style that features a waterproof design and an adjustable shoulder strap.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Tory Burch bags have been seen on celebrities like Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon.
- Although Tory Burch bags have not been prominently featured in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "Gossip Girl" and "The Mindy Project."
Retail Prices:
Prices for Tory Burch handbags typically range from $300 to $700. The Tory Burch Robinson Tote starts at $428 while the Tory Burch Ella tote starts at $198.
Read more: Top 33 Italian Luxury Fashion Brands
5. Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer who founded his eponymous label in 1984. The brand is recognized for its avant-garde designs, diverse aesthetics, and innovative approach to fashion. Marc Jacobs offers a wide range of products, including bags, clothing, shoes, and fragrance.
Signature Bags:
- The Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag is a playful and stylish design perfect for everyday use.
- The Marc Jacobs Classic Q collection is another popular style that features a classic and timeless design, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Marc Jacobs bags have been seen on celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, and Lady Gaga.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "The Deuce" and "Gossip Girl."
Retail Prices:
Prices for Marc Jacobs handbags can vary greatly, with prices starting around $300, going up to several thousand dollars for some high-end designs. The Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag starts at $295 while the Marc Jacobs Classic Q collection bag starts at $398.
6. Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff is an American fashion brand that was founded in 2005 by designer Rebecca Minkoff. The brand offers a wide range of products, including bags, clothing, shoes, and accessories. It is recognized for its casual and bohemian-chic designs, which feature bold prints, unique details, and playful embellishments.
Signature Bags:
- The Rebecca Minkoff Love crossbody bag is a classic style that features a quilted leather body, a chain strap, and a turn-lock closure.
- The Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack is another iconic style that features a sleek and modern design, perfect for everyday use.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Rebecca Minkoff bags have been seen on celebrities like Emma Roberts, Kristen Bell, and Taylor Swift.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Pretty Little Liars."
Retail Prices:
Rebecca Minkoff handbags generally range from $100 to $400. The Rebecca Minkoff Love crossbody bag starts at $195 while the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack starts at $295.
7. Dooney & Bourk
Dooney & Bourke is an American fashion brand that was founded in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke. The brand is recognized for its classic and timeless designs, which feature high-quality materials and superb craftsmanship. Dooney & Bourke offers a wide range of products, including bags, watches, and accessories.
Signature Bags:
- The Dooney & Bourke Alto bag is a classic style that features a smooth leather body, a spacious interior, and a detachable shoulder strap.
- The Dooney & Bourke Florentine collection is another iconic style that features a timeless and sophisticated design.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Dooney & Bourke bags have been seen on celebrities like Emma Roberts, Jessica Biel, and Olivia Palermo.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Sex and the City."
Retail Prices:
Dooney & Bourke handbags generally range from $100 to $500. The Dooney & Bourke Alto bag starts at $398 while the Dooney & Bourke Florentine collection bag starts at $298.
8. Frye
Frye is an American fashion brand that was founded in 1863 by John A. Frye. The brand is recognized for its heritage-inspired designs, which feature superior quality materials, attention to detail, and superb craftsmanship. Frye offers a wide range of products, including bags, shoes, and accessories.
Signature Bags:
- The Frye Carson tote is a classic style that features a vintage-inspired design, a spacious interior, and multiple pockets.
- The Frye Melissa satchel is another iconic style that features a distressed leather body, a spacious interior, and a zip-top closure.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Frye bags have been seen on celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, and Jessica Alba.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "The Vampire Diaries" and "Gossip Girl."
Retail Prices:
Frye handbags generally range from $200 to $500. The Frye Carson tote starts at $298 while the Frye Melissa satchel starts at $388.
9. Vera Brandle
Vera Bradley is an American fashion brand that was founded in 1982 by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller. The brand is recognized for its colorful and feminine designs, which feature high-quality materials and innovative patterns. Vera Bradley offers a wide range of products, including bags, luggage, and accessories.
Signature Bags:
- The Vera Bradley Iconic On the Go Crossbody bag is a classic style that features a lightweight design, a spacious interior, and a removable strap.
- The Vera Bradley Signature collection is another iconic style that features a range of bags, wallets, and accessories, all adorned with the brand's unique patterns.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Vera Bradley bags have been seen on celebrities like Taylor Swift, Emma Roberts, and Selena Gomez.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Pretty Little Liars."
Retail Prices:
Vera Bradley handbags generally range from $50 to $200. The Vera Bradley Iconic On the Go Crossbody bag starts at $70 while the Vera Bradley Signature collection bag starts at $50.
10. Brahmin
Brahmin is an American fashion brand that was founded in 1982 by husband and wife team Bill and Joan Martin. The brand is recognized for its luxury leather bags, which feature exquisite details, high-quality materials, and impeccable craftsmanship. Brahmin offers a wide range of products, including bags, wallets, and accessories.
Signature Bags:
- The Brahmin Melbourne collection is a signature style that features a range of bags, including totes, satchels, and crossbody bags, all adorned with the brand's unique crocodile-embossed leather.
- The Brahmin Melbourne Large Duxbury Satchel is another iconic style that features a spacious interior, multiple pockets, and a removable strap.
Celebrity & Movie Presence:
- Brahmin bags have been seen on celebrities like Blake Lively, Elisabeth Shue, and Taylor Swift.
- Although the brand's bags have not been featured prominently in movies, they have been spotted in television shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Pretty Little Liars."
Retail Prices:
Brahmin handbags generally range from $200 to $500. The Brahmin Melbourne collection bag starts at $195 while the Brahmin Melbourne Large Duxbury Satchel starts at $355.
In conclusion, American handbag brands are some of the most popular in the world. Regardless of where you live, you've definitely seen some bags from these brands. They are recognized for their high-quality materials, superb craftsmanship, and innovative designs. Additionally, in terms of pricing they are more affordable, while keeping the luxury allure. Whether you prefer classic and timeless styles or bold and playful designs, there is a handbag brand and style for every taste and budget.
