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A Beginner's Guide To Investing In Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbags

Nov 30, 2022

A Beginner's Guide To Investing In Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbags

Here at Open for Vintage, supporting circular fashion is at our core, and we think that investing smartly in timeless, well made vintage items is a great way to play your part in growing the circular economy.  A vintage designer handbag in particular can be an amazing investment that can be loved for a lifetime, passed down for generations, or even sold on to another handbag lover if you choose. When looking to invest in a designer handbag, you want to know your investment is safe, and that you can achieve a good resale value if you ever decide to sell on. 

Louis Vuitton, a French heritage brand born in 1854, is known for their impeccable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and instantly recognisable monogram print. Since their beginning, they have created a variety of ground-breaking luggage items and handbags which have stood the test of time and are constantly in high demand years after their creation. Being a part of the “big three” (consisting of Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes), it is no surprise the demand for Louis Vuitton never dies down. Many of Louis Vuitton’s classic handbags have remained as their most loved and most popular styles over the years, and all of these styles have their own story of creation. When investing in a Louis Vuitton handbag, you are not only investing in a well-made, sturdy, and durable bag, but also a piece of history.

A classic Louis Vuitton handbag is a staple item that lives on the wishlists of bag collectors around the globe, due to the brand's rich heritage and the bag's consistently high resale value. Louis Vuitton has also released a variety of collaboration lines, and limited edition products, which are also well in demand among handbag collectors and can fetch a great return of investment, sometimes much more than the original price, if you manage to get your hands on one. Louis Vuitton truly is a safe bet.

When looking to invest in a designer handbag, you want to know your investment is safe and the majority can be returned if you decide to resell. With Louis Vuitton, many of their bags return a high percentage of the original price, if not more, so they have proved to be a safe and savvy brand to invest in.

These are our most recommended Louis Vuitton styles to invest in, in consideration of style, popularity and resale value:

Keepall

Louis Vuitton’s monogram printed luggage became synonymous with the globe-trotters of the 20th century Hollywood elite. The Louis Vuitton Keepall, first released in 1930, suited these jet setters perfectly, as they are a cabin friendly, carry-on companion. Able to fit everything you need, but also light enough to carry by hand, the Keepall is the perfect travel buddy for a short getaway.

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Speedy

After the success of the Keepall, the house decided to create a mini version of the bag for everyday use, and in 1932 – the Speedy was born. Although it wasn’t until the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn was seen wearing one that the Speedy became a true ‘It-bag’.

The Speedy is a classic Louis Vuitton style with a great value preservation in the second-hand market if you ever decide to resell. The monogram Speedy 30 is the most popular size, but it also comes in sizes 25, 35 and 40, and in different materials and designs.

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Neverfull

Introduced in 2007, Louis Vuitton’s everyday tote, the Neverfull, is one of their most successful bags that comes in a range of materials, limited editions, and special collaborations. Due to this, and the continuous price increases, this bag constantly stays in high demand and normally retains at least 85% of its resale value, making it a smart choice to invest in. A rare or limited edition version can see upward of double the resale value!

The Neverfull comes in 3 sizes, PM (the smallest size), MM (best for everyday) and GM (best for travelling or work).

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Noe

Dating back to 1932, the Noe is the second oldest Louis Vuitton handbag. Originally created to carry champagne, the Noe became known as the world's first bucket bag. The monogram printed Noe is the most popular and most common, but the bag has been made in a variety of variations. It comes in 4 different sizes, so whether you’re looking for a mini everyday companion, or a bag fitting for your weekend travels, the Noe is a suitable solution.

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Alma

Originally introduced in 1934 as the Louis Vuitton Squire bag, this classic was renamed the Alma in 1955. Featuring double zips with a padlock, a leather key tag, two inside compartments, an additional shoulder strap, and protective bottom studs, the Alma is an instantly recognisable shape and a more modern design for an everyday Louis Vuitton handbag. The monogram printed Alma was introduced in 1992, but it comes in many different fabrics, colours and special editions, and is the most frequently revisited Louis Vuitton bag – so you’re spoilt for choice!

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Pochette Accessoires

Louis Vuitton’s Pochette Accessoires has been seen by many over the years as an ‘entry level’ designer handbag – a starting point bag before growing your collection. A simple pouch, with a detachable strap, the Pochette Accessoires is practical and stylish. It has become one of Louis Vuitton’s most-loved styles, being released in multiple variations and collaborations.

Louis Vuitton’s Pochette Accessoires shoulder bag is becoming more in demand as of late, and is reselling for 75% more than its original retail price – making it a no brainer investment piece. 

Shop Pochette Accessoires'

Browse our full collection of vintage Louis Vuitton handbags now and find your next investment piece, built to last.

Not sure how to care for your Louis Vuitton handbag? Read our care guide.