What Is the Best Designer Purse to Buy
We often talk about 'investment pieces', the things that will supposedly see you through a lifetime of wardrobe crises.
But, when it comes to fashion, knowing what to 'invest' in, when, and why can be something of a minefield. For us, looking at the resale value of items plays a big factor (circular fashion is where it's at after all), alongside how much joy the item brings you, its history, quality, longevity and, of course, beauty.
Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to a handbag. A well-chosen designer bag really can last you forever, and even become a valuable heirloom after you're gone (sorry, bit morbid). Conversely, if you're interested in actually making money, as well as spending it, then a well-timed purchase and subsequent sale could help you bring in the big bucks.
Here, we dish the inside information on which classic designer bags and newer 'hypey' items people are searching for, buying, selling second-hand and what is really worth pumping your hard-earned, long-saved money into...
To find out what the hottest bags of the moment are, we asked fashion search tool and shopping platform Lyst, and spoke to our Fashion and Accessories Editor, Georgia Medley, to reveal the most wanted bags from the last year.
Chanel's 11.12 Bag
Edward Berthelot Getty Images
Otherwise known as the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, Chanel's 11.2 bag (created in 1982 on Karl Lagerfeld's arrival) is truly a classic.
Based on Coco Chanel's 2.55 design (we've included this further down), the 11.12 is characterised by its gold chain, diamond quilting, double flap and 'CC' clasp, which combine to create a supremely useful but nonetheless pretty bag.
'It's a bag which has elegance but also practicality,' Medley agrees, adding 'it's the perfect handbag to add class to any look'.
We're unsurprised its popularity has resurged over the last year, since Chanel increased its price making it as expensive as a Birkin bag, thus increasing its resale value.
Telfar's Shopping Bag
Edward Berthelot Getty Images
Dubbed the 'Brooklyn Birkin', Telfar's Shopping Bag peaked in popularity at the close of last year.
Despite being around for 15 years, it wasn't until 2020 that the unisex brand Telfar, founded by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens, went mainstream.
Their Shopping Bag's relative affordability, animal-friendly fabric and range of sizes and styles gained 'It bag' status when a 24-hour pre-order was launched, meaning everyone could have a slice of the double handled, carry-all slice of luxury.
Bottega Veneta's Cassette Bag
Christian Vierig Getty Images
No classic designer bag list would be complete without a Bottega Veneta piece.
'Daniel Lee has absolutely transformed Bottega Veneta since his reign as Creative Director,' Medley explains. 'With his background being under Phoebe Philo at Céline, he has seen what women want... Lee has made their bags statement pieces to invest in. Everyone wants one.'
And while Lee's Pouch bag reigned supreme in late 2019, it's now all about the Cassette.
Made up of woven leather, with a wide and long strap, the Cassette, like the 11.2 and Shopping Bag, is a practical yet punchy choice - sturdy and roomy enough to function as an everyday handbag, while maintaining its special and well-crafted status.
Prada's Cleo Bag
Edward Berthelot Getty Images
Though this one wasn't in Lyst's top three, we can't not include Prada's Cleo handbag - a brand new reimagining of the brand's 1990s styles - in the list.
The compact shoulder bag, emblazoned in the Prada triangle logo, has become a fast favourite since its launch at the close of 2020, and has been seen on the shoulders of everyone from Camille Charriere to Yoyo Cao.
2021's Big Hitters
Chanel 11.12 Bag
Pre-Owned
£5,482.00
Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag
Vegan leather handbag - Brown 69
Telfar
£350.00
To find out more about classic investment bags, we spoke to Hanushka Toni, co-founder of luxury preloved platform Sellier Knightsbridge, who let us know the ins and outs of these high-demand handbags.
Christian Dior's Lady Dior Bag
Edward Berthelot
The Lady Dior was created in 1994 with the sole purpose of becoming a classic and it succeeded, thanks largely to Princess Diana.
Originally named 'chouchou' (French for 'favourite'), it was given its current moniker as a tribute to the princess - who was known as Lady Diana Spencer before her marriage - in 1996 after she fell in love with it. She faithfully carried it for years.
'The Lady Dior will always be a classic, ' Toni tells us. 'We have found that while the older patent leather models are still popular, it is the updated D-Lite Lady Dior that commands the real premium. The update gives the bag a contemporary aesthetic and still outperforms both the new Book Tote and the Saddle Bag in the resale market.'
'The older lambskin and patent leather models sell at around 50% of original retail. The newer D-lite resells for as much as 70-80% of original retail.'
Chanel's 2.55 and 11.12 Bags
Christian Vierig
Meet the ultimate investment bags.
The 2.55 is a singular rectangular shape and was created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955. It's not to be confused with the 11.12 bag we mentioned above, although the two do share a strong resemblance.
The difference is the 2.55 has a rectangular 'Mademoiselle' clasp and an all metal strap, whereas the 11.12 has the interlocking CCs clasp with a chain strap interwoven with leather.
'Compared to the classic flap, the 2.55 is much more affordable and easy to source,' Toni explains. 'We typically resell them for around 50% of official retail, whilst classic flaps with their ultra-coveted interlocking CCs go for around 70-80% of official retail.'
'One of the reasons that the 2.55 reissue is so popular is because the standard model is made of distressed calfskin, making it incredibly hard wearing.'
Fendi's Baguette Bag
Edward Berthelot
Often cited as the first 'It' bag, there are few accessories as iconic as the humble Fendi baguette. Known for it's craftsmanship, Fendi is a brand to invest in. It's not going anywhere. The Baguette style was designed in 1997 and remains just as popular 23 years later.
'With so many vibrant colours and styles to choose from it is hardly surprising that the vintage Baguettes have continued on their upward trajectory in recent times with buyers prepared to spend a premium on pieces in fantastic condition,' Toni notes.
'The Fendi baguettes come from Japan. They are always in impeccable condition with not a sequin out of place. While we've seen these change hands for as much as £1,500 we regularly advise clients to budget anywhere between £500 - £700 to get their hands on a vintage Baguette,' Toni says, 'If choosing between a newer one and a vintage piece, always go vintage - they are so whimsical and full of character.'
Hermès' 'Kelly' Bag
Getty Images
Yes, you may be expecting to see the iconic Hermès Birkin in this list and that would indeed be justified. But we think the French fashion house's Kelly style is in fact the true classic designer bag.
The Kelly hasn't enjoyed quite the level of overexposure as its label-mate, meaning its altogether more understated look and cleaner lines seem as fresh today as they did in the 1930s, when it was first created.
Known initially as the sac à dépêches, it was renamed the Kelly in homage to Grace Kelly, a life-long fan of the style who famously used it to shield her first pregnancy from the ever-present paparazzi, and now resells at 100-200% of its original value.
'The Hermes Kelly and Birkin bags continue to be the Holy Grail when it comes to scarcity, rarity and demand,' Toni confirms. 'Due to the difficulty of buying these bags in store, even the entry level models regularly resell for stratospheric amounts on the resale market - at several multiples of the original retail price.'
'The most desirable of all is the Hermes Mini-Kelly (or Kelly 20). This tiny bag is all but impossible to get and retails for between £5-6,000 in store, while reselling on the secondary market for around £20,000. A crocodile version of this bag resells for a whopping £40,000 plus, with specialist buyers and resellers competing for a chance to own one - even at the huge resale premium.'
The Style Staples
My Lady Dior leather handbag - Black 51
Dior
£2,200.00
2.55 leather handbag - Black 11
£5,500.00
Fendi Baguette
Pre-Owned
£1,078.00
Hermès Kelly Bag
Pre-Owned
£13,200.00
So now you know what bags are the style set'c current favourites, but what about what comes next? We spoke to Net-A-Porter's Senior Fashion Market Editor Libby Page to find out the styles hardly anyone has even heard of yet, and she predicts will be big.
Loewe's Shell Tote Bag
Shell leather-trimmed woven raffia tote
When you think 'investment Loewe bag', you think of their Puzzle and leather-trimmed raffia tote bags, right? Well, page says their Shell Tote Bag (which comes in both leather and raffia), 'will be one of the hottest bags of the season'.
The ultimate beach bag, we're looking forward to taking this baby to the beach and shouting at anyone who gets sand on it (kidding).
Chloé's Woody Canvas Tote
.
Woody medium leather-trimmed cotton-canvas tote
'We predict Chloé's Woody Canvas Tote to be a trending bag for summer as it's a new take on the classic basket bag, which has always been a big hit for us at Net-a-Porter, season after season,' Page tells ELLE UK.
'The canvas material and the subtle branding make it both practical and chic and a great option to take from the city to the beach, and vice versa.'
Alaïa's Clutch
.
'Alaïa, who are known for a more formal and structured approach to bags, came out with their own take on the day clutch in a slouchy silhouette, which we love and will be a hit bag,' Page predicts.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE's print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE
Daisy Murray Digital Writer Daisy Murray is the Digital Writer at ELLE UK, writing articles on vintage shopping to Melania Trump and everything in between.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
What Is the Best Designer Purse to Buy
Source: https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/a30859/best-investment-bags/
Post a Comment for "What Is the Best Designer Purse to Buy"