A luxury designer handbag for a woman is much like a high-end watch for a man—a way to express elegance and style through a functional object you use every day. Handbags are not simply a way to display your good taste while you enjoy fine craftsmanship, however. Many high-end handbags are known for retaining their value or even increasing in value over time.
Why is this? Unlike department store knock-offs, genuine luxury bags are built with fine craftsmanship and are meant to last. The classic styles of the most well-known brands are not meant to chase the latest fad, but rather to convey a timeless elegance whether they were purchased yesterday or long ago. The brands that produce this type of bag have also built up their reputations for style, elegance, and quality over decades, attracting devotees by earning their trust over time.
Thus, you won’t find any surprises on this list of seven brands whose handbags retain their value. Given for each is a popular example of one of their handbags that exemplifies the brand’s style.
Chanel
Example: The Classic 2.55 Flap Bag, first created in 1955 and still popular today
Chloe
Example: The Paddington Bag, which sold out completely before arriving in stores in 2005
Christian Dior
Example: Lady Dior handbag, favorite of Princess Diana
Gucci
Example: The Jackie Bag, named for style icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Hermès:
Example: The Birkin Bag, currently in vogue among celebrities like Victoria Beckham
Louis Vuitton
Example: The Neverfull Tote, first introduced a decade ago and available in leather and canvas
Prada
Example: The Saffiano Bag, made with specially treated Italian leather known for beauty and durability
As with any other kind of collectible, many factors will influence the value of a particular item. For example, a limited edition of a popular luxury handbag may increase in value more than a typical example of the same style, due to its rarity. A handbag in excellent condition will fetch more than one that is scuffed or damaged. And the current whims of fashion may temporarily raise the resale price of one brand while lowering that of another, only to have the trend reserve itself in the coming year. If you are purchasing with resale value in mind, its best to treat your bag with care and know that you may need to hold onto it a while to realize the best resale price.
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