Best Investment Bags To Go For in 2023
After a few weeks off for a Holiday break, I'm happy to be back with a whole list of the best investment bags to go for in 2022.
Purchasing a luxury handbag is not always as easy as you would assume (especially for your first). Usually starting at $1,000, there is almost no limit as to what one could spend. It is, for this reason extremely important for you to not only be well aware of all major luxury brands but to have some knowledge on possible re-sale values in the future. Brands at the top of this luxury goods pyramid like Hermès and Chanel tend to yield a much better return, so with all of that in mind why not look the best while having your best investment bag by your side.
2.55 bag by Coco Chanel
The most time honoured bag of the century
2.55 Chanel bag
Created in February 1955, Coco Chanel changed history when she created that bag. This first shoulder-carried version was a real game changer for women who were, back then much more accustomed to a hand-carried purse. Whether you are looking for your first luxury bag or to invest in one, the 2.55 is the best option you can find. Still more affordable than Hermès, Chanel 2.55 has held its value over the decades. For a good example, in May 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic, the 2.55 price increased again: The Chanel 224 Reissue 2.55 Bag which was originally at 4450€ is now selling for 5500€. A 20% increase for the European price. It is the second biggest increase in percentage after the Chanel Mini Square Classic Bag (25%).
Here below is one of my favourite french influencers on instagram, Charlène from @thebabooshka wearing the 2.55.
Charlene from @thebabooshka wearing Chanel 2.55
This bag has been re-made by Karl Lagerfeld in February 2005, using the exact same processes as Coco Chanel had used in February 1955. However, the re-edition of the bag has a different chain and fermoir. These several minor changes only apply to the bags produced after 2005. Moreover, the vintage 2.55 (the model created before 2005) where in lamb skin. The re-edition models are now in veal leather. Chanel often uses Aged Calfskin to craft their iconic Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag, which gives to the bag a vintage style with an illusion of already ‘used’.
If you are looking for a 2.55, I got you! I have spotted on the Collector Square website this black 2.55 for 3,450€ right here. I have also found a cheaper version on Vestiaire Collective right here for less than 3 000€.
Chanel Classic Double Flap, circa 2013
PS: Don't get mixed up between the 2.55 and the Classic Timeless. The shape is quite similar but the 2.55 has no visible Chanel logo on it. The timeless classic flap is also a very good investment. Besides, you can never go wrong with Chanel!
Lady Dior
When elegance meets sophistication.
The most appropriate way to describe the Lady Dior bag would be: Elegance & Sophistication. Created in 1995, Lady Dior is THE iconic Dior bag. This bag pays homage to elements of the Dior House: Firstly, the charms are reflective of those lucky charms Christian Dior always kept with him. Another house staple is the Cannage motif, which dates back to the Napoleon III seats the couturier set up for guests at his fashion shows.
source: dior.com
The Lady Dior bag is one of the best investment bags you can find. It is always re-released and updated in new colours and materials but it will always remain a classic of the house. They are currently sold on the preloved market ranging around 2 000€ depending of: the country of purchase, the year, the colour and of course condition.
It has been recently seen on Chiara Ferragni:
source: Chiara Ferragni Instagram
If you are located in France, I have found a preloved Lady Dior on Vide Dressing right here for less than 2 000€. It is from the year 2000 and is still in great condition. Otherwise, I have found this gorgeous blue Lady Dior for 2095€: check it out here on Vestiaire Collective.
Fun fact: Lady Diana was given a Lady Dior bag for the first time by Bernadette Chirac, a former French First Lady. She was spotted many times carrying the Lady Dior which quickly became synonymous with her personal style. This is how the Lady Dior bag became rather distinguished and where it acquired its new name: Lady Dior. It was previously called "Chouhou". Not quite as classy as Lady Dior, is it?!
Hermès Birkin
Some things just never change, especially when it comes to classic bags. More than just a bag, the Birkin became a religion for some ladies!
When it comes to bags, Hermès is of course THE reference. If you are willing to learn more about the famous Hermès Birkin bag, you can find my full story here. With Hermès you will never be disappointed. The bag will steadily increase in value every year. Unfortunately its not so easy to find a Hermès Birkin bag, even in a Hermès boutique. Some just pop up in the store and buy it, while others wait for years to have their dream bag. If you are on the hunt for a vintage one, my tip would be for you to have a look on Collector Square. Hermès Birkin starts around 7000€ for a 35 centimetre.
source: Nadia Bartel Daily Mail UK
Louis Vuitton Neverfull
For the women always on the run!
Designed 2007, the Neverfull bag is one of the most popular bags in the house of Louis Vuitton. It has a really similar shape to that of the Goyard Saint Louis tote. The Saint Louis Tote is also a good bag to invest in. However, I personally prefer the Louis Vuitton Neverfull because of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
In 2021, the price of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull Monogram Canva GM increased by 2.5% in the US going from $1,580 to $1,620. The PM ("petit modele") inscreased by 2.8%. Passing from $1,420 to $1,460! It is definitely one of the best bags to invest in for 2022. It is also the most "affordable" of this list.
Starting at 1 150€ brand new, I found a few LV Neverfulls around 700€ on Vestiaire Collective. You can find some cheaper and in a good condition here but they have been personalised lowering the value somewhat.
So let's recap: which are the best classic bags to invest in this year? ⤵️
2.55 Chanel
Lady Dior
Hermès Birkin
Louis Vuitton Neverfull
One bag I forgot to mention here which is also a sound investment is the Pochette Metis from Louis Vuitton. To read more about it, click here.
Last but not least, taking good care of your bag is obvious—both when in use and not—to guarantee interest if you’re looking to trade it in. Happy vintage shopping folks!