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Investing in a designer bag is no longer just a fashion statement – it’s also a savvy financial move. In the past, most luxury items would quickly lose value shortly after purchase, but these days owning certain designer handbags can prove to be an incredibly shrewd decision if you play your cards right. While they may seem like pricey investments at first glance, a well-chosen designer bag can offer an excellent return on investment.
Which Designer Bags are a Good Investment?
When it comes to designer bags, there are some styles that never go out of style. So if you’re looking for a pre-owned designer bag that is sure to be a wise investment, consider one of these timeless choices. From Chanel’s iconic classic flap to Hermes’ Birkin, these classic bags retain their value over time and can often be sold for more than their original retail price. And whilst these bags may command higher prices, if you’re patient and do your research, you can find one of these coveted bags at a fraction of the retail cost.
Why Buy a Second-Hand Designer Bag Instead of a New One?
Second-hand designer bags are quickly becoming a popular option for fashionistas across the globe, and it’s easy to see why. Not only can you make a significant saving on pieces from coveted designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, but you also get the added bonus of potentially being able to find vintage styles that are no longer available in stores.
Investing in a second-hand designer bag will also provide peace of mind – as some designer handbags truly do hold their value. With proper care and maintenance, you could even stand to make more money than what you initially paid for it – due to the higher demand for vintage items in today’s ever-changing market. Shopping second-hand is undoubtedly an ethical choice too, so you never have to worry about sacrificing style or quality when looking for your perfect piece.
5 Pre-Owned Designer Bags That hold their value
Investing in a pre-owned designer bag is an intelligent and ethical choice. Not only can you make a significant saving on pieces from coveted designers such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, but you also have the added assurance of being able to find vintage styles that are no longer available in stores. Here are five pre-owned designer bags that are guaranteed to hold their value.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag
For some, the epitome of elegance is The Classic Flap Bag by Chanel. Easily recognisable thanks to its signature quilted fabric and ‘CC’ turn-lock closure, this iconic piece has been a timeless staple in luxury fashion since it was first introduced in 1955.
With a resale value of up to 85% of its original retail price and a dramatic increase in desirability for vintage models, it’s truly an investment piece for every wardrobe. For those looking to add a classic flap bag to their accessory rotation, we recommend seeking out pieces on the resale market that were manufactured before 2008. Notably, these models come with 24ct gold hardware rather than the 18ct that is featured in post-2008 editions, making them more sought-after in the secondary market.
For a long-lasting, scratch-resistant product that retains its shape, we also suggest choosing caviar leather over lambskin. Caviar leather is the most hard-wearing and tends to stay scratch free and keep its shape even after years of wear.
Browse Chanel Classic Flaps on Fashionphile.
Hermes Kelly Bag
The Hermes Kelly Bag is one of the world’s most beloved luxury items, and for good reason. From its sleek silhouette to its enduring quality, the Kelly has been the go-to bag for generations of stylish women since it was first launched in 1935. Nowadays, pre-owned versions of this classic piece can retail for up to four times their original value, making it a great investment item.
When shopping for your own Hermes Kelly Bag, make sure to choose one made with high-quality calfskin leather – as this is more durable than the box or swift leather variants. Additionally, look out for condition details such as the shape of the handles and corners which can indicate the quality of the bag. Moreover, models featuring exotic leathers such as crocodile or ostrich skin are highly sought after, making them superb choices for those looking to optimize their investments and see favourable returns on the secondhand market.
With limited numbers of these exclusive pieces in circulation, investing in a Hermes Kelly Bag is sure to be both stylish and smart.
Browse Hermes Kelly bags on Fashionphile.
Hermes Birkin Bag
Another iconic Hermes offering is the Birkin Bag. With its sleek lines and luxurious leather, it has become a symbol of sophistication and status since its release in 1984. Depending on the leather, size and hardware, pre-owned Birkin Bags can fetch prices upwards of $20,000 in the secondhand market – making it one of the most valuable items you can buy.
Made with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as the Kelly Bag, but in a larger size – this piece is perfect for those looking for an iconic bag that’s big enough to fit their daily essentials. However, due to the high demand and extremely limited supply of these bags on the secondhand market – prices tend to stay relatively high (Reports confirm that a standard Birkin bag, which is currently sold for roughly $13,200 in stores today, can be resold for an astonishing 157% of its original value on the secondhand market).
To maximize your investment, consider seeking out rare versions of the Birkin made with exotic leathers such as crocodile or ostrich skin – as these are more valuable in the resale market. Additionally, pieces featuring diamond or gold hardware are also highly sought after and can fetch significant premiums.
All in all, the Hermes Birkin is a timeless choice that never fails to draw attention – making it an excellent investment for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their wardrobe.
Browse Birkin bags on Fashionphile.
Dior Saddle Bag
Investing in a Dior Saddle Bag is a wise move—these classic bags make for an affordable yet savvy investment.
Introduced in 2000, the Dior Saddle Bag is an instantly recognizable silhouette that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. This contemporary classic has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years – and the pre-owned market for vintage versions of this bag is booming. Research conducted by Forbes suggests vintage Dior Saddle bags from the Galliano-era have seen an impressive 109% return on investment. The current season matte black calfskin style also holds strong in terms of value retention, with an astounding 89% average predicted for 2023.
Overall, investing in a Dior Saddle bag is sure to be a smart choice that will last for years to come. Not only can you enjoy wearing the piece yourself, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that it has great resale value should you ever decide to part with it.
Browse Dior Saddle Bags on Fashionphile.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag is a timeless design that has been continuously popular since its launch in 1930. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to make an investment with reliable returns – as versions of this iconic bag from any era tend to hold their value.
The Speedy Bag comes in four sizes (20, 25, 30, and 35 cm) – allowing you to choose the ideal size that fits your lifestyle. Monogram canvas versions of this classic are currently sold in stores for roughly $1,000, while contemporary leather editions start at around $1,800.
Whichever version you opt for, investing in a Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag is sure to pay off in resale value over time. Reports suggest that the monogram Speedy has appreciated by an average of 9% since its launch – and will continue to climb in value as it becomes increasingly rare on the secondhand market. Additionally, the limited edition versions featuring special prints or signature hardware can end up being extremely lucrative investments due to their high demand and scarcity.
Overall, the Louis Vuitton Speedy is a timeless design that’s sure to make for an excellent wardrobe addition and smart investment. This piece remains highly desirable on the secondary market, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add value to their collection.
Browse Louis Vuitton Speedy bags on Fashionphile.
Investing in a Pre-Owned Designer Bag
Investing in a pre-owned designer bag is an exciting and rewarding way to add luxurious pieces to your wardrobe. Whether you choose the iconic Hermes Birkin, Dior Saddle Bag or Louis Vuitton Speedy, you can be sure that these timeless designs will hold their resale value for years to come.
With careful research and consideration of potential returns on investment, adding a luxury item like one of these bags could potentially turn out to be an incredibly lucrative move. So why not take advantage of this unique opportunity – it just might pay off!