Chic Investments: 5 Designer Bags That Hold Their Value
Purchasing a designer bag means getting the chance to own an accessory that gives you an extra luxurious and stylish flair. However, you would do well to consider its potential resale value to get more out of your investment.
When you consider the resale value of luxury handbags, you add a financial dimension to your fashion choices. Unlike trends that often fade, the value of high-quality designer bags appreciates over time, making them not just statement pieces, but savvy financial choices.
Resale value is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship, timeless design, and brand reputation of luxury handbags – factors that make vintage Chanel bags and other designer bags highly popular and coveted.
As such, purchasing a designer bag with an eye on resale potential ensures that your fashion splurge can be a lasting asset.
Top Luxury Bags That Stand the Test of Time and Value
If you want to know which designer bags are worth investing in for both style and resale value, read below:
1. Chanel Classic Flap
First introduced in 1955 by Coco Chanel, the Flap bag was considered a revolutionary fashion piece since it was the first handbag with a shoulder strap. This feature freed women from the constraints of carrying a clutch.
Presently, the Classic Flap is one of the most iconic Chanel bags and a favourite among celebrities.
This bag comes in two versions – single and double flap. The Classic Double Flap bag features an extra flap inside that separates the interior from the main exterior flap.
Both single and double flaps have several pockets, making it easier for you to organise your personal belongings. They also come in different sizes; however, the mini Classic Flap only has a single flap.
You can choose from among various fabrics, quilting designs, and hardware combinations as well.
The typical retail price of a Chanel Classic Flap starts at $4,000. According to a report, its average value retention range is 87% to 100%.
2. Hermès Kelly
The Kelly bag, which was inspired by the legendary actress Grace Kelly, is one of Hermès’s most sought-after handbags. It is one of its most expensive fashion pieces as well.
The Kelly comes in different sizes, from the Kelly 15, which is the smallest, to the Kelly 50, its largest variant. Among the various options, the Kelly 20 or Mini Kelly is the most in-demand in the second-hand luxury handbag market.
The Kelly 20 features a front flap with a turn-lock closure and padlock. It has an angular shape with a rolled top handle you can carry by hand. It also has long straps, allowing you to wear it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag. Its size, design and style make it the perfect addition to an evening look or smart casual outfit for afternoon tea with your friends.
Mini Kelly bags made of exotic leather are limited and even rare in some countries, making them the models with the highest return on investment (ROI). The retail price of this handbag starts at $25,000 and can be resold for double or triple its original value.
3. Hermès Birkin
The Birkin is another highly coveted handbag from Hermès. Inspired by the iconic actress Jane Birkin, each bag is considered a work of beautiful, functional art.
Each bag is hand-sewn from luxurious leather, buffed, and polished by seasoned and skilled artisans. It features a rectangular shape, dual rolled handles, harness detailing, and gold and palladium hardware.
The Birkin 25, which is the smallest bag in the collection, is the most popular variant and commands the highest ROI. Like the Kelly, its limited number makes it an exclusive fashion piece coveted by people around the world.
The retail price of the Birkin 25 is around $13,000. According to Forbes, it can easily sell for multiple times more on the second-hand market.
At present, lizard and crocodile leather Hermès Birkin 25 bags command the highest ROIs.
4. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Louis Vuitton has an impressive collection of luxury bags, including the Speedy, Noé and Alma. However, its fastest-selling, most popular handbag is the Neverfull.
The Neverfull is a tote bag that combines functionality with a timeless design and heritage details. It is made of Damier Ebene canvas and natural cowhide trim and comes with side laces you can cinch for a sleeker handbag or loosen to give it a more casual look.
The handbag has slim handles that slip easily over your shoulder or arm. It also has a removable pouch you can use as a clutch or extra pocket.
The Neverfull bag’s size and classic look and design make it a go-to bag you can wear for any occasion.
The basic Neverfull bag has an average retail price of $2,000 and can earn a minimum of 85% in resale value. Louis Vuitton has also released limited editions of this handbag, which can be sold at double its original amount.
5. Christian Dior Lady Dior
The French fashion house is known for its scents, cosmetics and beauty products. It also has several highly sought-after bags, including the Saddle, Book Tote, Bowling and Montaigne and its most iconic, the Lady Dior, the late Princess Diana’s favourite handbag.
This bag was first called “chouchou,” the French word for “favourite.” The fashion house renamed it in 1996 as a tribute to the “People’s Princess.”
The bag boasts soft lambskin fabric topstitched with the Cannage motif, rounded handles, and iconic Dior charms. It comes in five sizes ranging from micro to large.
The Lady Dior’s superb craftsmanship is a symbol of couture elegance and refinement.
This bag’s retail price starts at $3,900 and can retain up to 80% of its initial cost when resold.
Getting More Out of Your Designer Bags
If you want to maximise your profit when buying and reselling high-end handbags, follow these tips:
1. Stick with the classics.
Firstly, opt for renowned brands and timeless designs. Classics from established fashion houses mentioned above tend to hold their value exceptionally well. Also, choose iconic styles that transcend seasonal trends to ensure there is a constant demand for them in the resale market.
2. Look for limited edition bags.
Stay updated about limited edition releases, collaborations, and any factors that can affect a bag’s rarity and drive up its demand and resale price.
3. Maintain your bag.
Condition matters greatly when selling pre-owned bags. As such, protect your handbag’s impeccable shape by storing it properly, avoiding scratches, and cleaning it regularly. Also, ensure you purchase your piece from a reputable shop and keep its original documentation and packaging.
By buying the ideal designer bags and following the right tips, you can transform your love for luxury handbags into a profitable and stylish investment journey.
