Couture Handbags: Obsession… or investment?

By Jennifer Patrick, Owner, The Couture Exchange

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Chanel….just the mention of these iconoclastic luxury brands makes many a fashion-focused female drool with envy. If you own a couture handbag from one of these makers, you can appreciate the obsession, and you are well aware that luxury at this level comes with a price, and often a hefty one. But there is some consolation which may make your next couture handbag purchase a bit more palatable...and maybe even profitable. Did you ever think that your handbag obsession could become an investment like art or jewelry?

This summer I was reading an article citing that the price of couture handbags has risen over 25% in the last three years. Since I am in the business of Couture Resale I decided to do some additional investigating of my own. A basic Louis Vuitton tote sold for approximately $420 in 2000.

Today, that same exact handbag sells for $790! That’s an 88% appreciation in 5 years. I did the same experiment for a basic Gucci, Fendi, and Chanel bag to see what would happen. Gucci & Fendi had seen an approximate rise of about 70% during that same time period and Chanel had risen about 36%. The national CPI for that same time period rose less than 15%!

Well, ladies (and gentlemen if you’re reading this) it looks like handbags may not just be for fun anymore—they could actually be an investment!

BAGS TO GET BEFORE YOU DIE -- 5 Most Coveted Bags of All Time

By Jennifer Patrick, The Couture Exchange, Shrewsbury

1. Hermes Birkin $7,500 - $35,000

The elusive Birkin bag made by Hermes is so sought after as a status symbol by women worldwide that the French fashion house has a two year waiting list.

2. Chanel Classic Flap Bag $1,295 - $2,695

Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag comes in two types of leather – caviar and lambskin with gold or silver leather entwined chain handles. Available in four different sizes.

3. Fendi Baguette $795 - $5,000

The Fendi Baguette comes in all different patterns, materials and leathers. The classic Fendi pattern is called “Zucca”. The Artist Baguette – Create Your Own was made available this spring.

4. Judith Leiber Minaudiere $1,495 - $5,000

Minaudières actually date back to the roaring twenties fashion scene, but it wasn't until 1963 when Judith Leiber affixed thousands of crystals onto a tarnished metal frame when they really took off.

5. Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag $660 - $1,270

Introduced in the 1930s, the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is available in classic monogram, multicolore, damier, denim, and priceless collectible styles.