Quality designer handbag values can fluctuate greatly depending on different factors such as wear, seasonal colours, a reissue of the same style and industry movements such as a change in creative direction at a leading designer brand.
For example, when Daniel Lee took over at Bottega Veneta as their newly appointed Creative Director in 2018, the brand saw an instant demand in the new accessories collections after years of struggle to gain acceptance, and quickly became the new investment brand.
Here at Open for Vintage, our expert team want to help you navigate through the process of choosing a designer handbag investment of your own.
There is only one thing to clarify before diving into the world of investment purchases.
What kind of investment are you looking for?
Investment Option 1:
An investment piece with the intent to accumulate in value over a period of time.
In this instance, your options are slightly narrower, and the number one thing to bear in mind is that the bag you purchase needs to be kept in pristine, ideally brand new condition for the best chances at reselling for higher than its original retail price.
This investment strategy is recommended for a higher budget as the bag could need to be stored for a few years (if purchased new) in order to reach the higher numbers when you are ready to give it a try at reselling.
Unsurprisingly, the brands that hold the best resale value and continue to remain at the top are Hermes and Chanel, with a few basic styles that are already in high circulation on the resale market and are predicted to remain for years to come.
Here are two examples of great styles with high potential to increase in value over time.
A bag style existing in Chanel’s handbag collections since the 80’s, and once rumoured to be discontinued in 2018.
This bag is currently trading for up to 20% above its current boutique price.
One of the most requested styles on Hermes wishlists world wide in 2021.
The Kelly 28 Retourne currently trades at around 50% above its original retail price.
Investment Option 2:
An investment with the intent to wear with appreciation for handcraftsmanship and quality to withstand the test of time.
If this is the motivation for your purchase, the options are much greater, and there are multiple brands to choose from when looking for a safe bet in terms of quality.
However, to increase the likelihood of a potential return on your investment, a recommendation would be to buy from one of the globally best performing brands that are currently holding its resale value close to the original price.
Dior, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Celine are great examples of luxury design houses that pay close attention to their manufacturing process of their handbags with a variety of styles to fit your needs.
Specialist tip: Look for grained leathers and intentionally aged hardware for the intent of use. Hardware with polished finish tend to wear quicker with time and smooth leather scratch easily.
Recommended investment pieces from the handbag department at OFV:
Since the Mini Speedy was reissued in 2017, the original model released in the 90's has made a strong come back, trading up to 400% of its original value.
