Welcome to our list of the 10 Designer Bags That Are Actually Worth the Money!
If you are looking to buy a designer bag that will keep its value throughout the years, you have come to the right place! Here I’ll show you the bags that best keep their value in the resale market and therefor are great investments!
So, without further ado here are 10 Designer Bags That Are Actually Worth the Money:
1. Hermès Birkin Bag
The story of the invention of the Birkin bag — the result of the chance meeting in 1983 between actress Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then creative director of Hermès — has become legendary among Hermès lovers. The two were seated next to each other on an international flight. When Dumas asked why she travelled with a simple straw tote, Birkin explained that most leather bags were too structured for her taste. She wanted something more boho and the two came up with the design for the bag on that flight, on the back of a napkin. And so, the Birkin was created. The Birkin is one of the most classic and iconic bags in the world, so of course it is worth the money!
The price of a Birkin bag when you buy from an Hermès store varies from $9,000 to around $12,000 and on the resale market it can easily sell for more than $25,000.
2. Hermès Kelly Bag
In 1935 Émile-Maurice Hermès diversified the brands offerings designing a bag for his wife to carry. Called the Sac à Dépêches the bag was practical and elegant with a classic style. The accessory achieved worldwide recognition in 1956 when the American actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly used her Sac à Dépêches to cover her pregnant belly. As soon as the photo of that is published on the cover of Life Magazine women from all over the world start running to Hermès asking for the Kelly Bag. In response the brand changed the bags name to the Kelly, and history was made. Today an icon of elegance and sophistication, the Kelly is one of the most sought-after bags on the resale market, not only for its timeless style but also for the enduring allure of the woman it is named after.
The Kelly is sold in Hermès stores for around $9,000 and can be sold in the resale market for more than $20,000!
3. Telfar Shopping Bag
In 2005 Telfar Clemens founded his eponymous label, but only in 2018 it achieved the cult status it has today, when it launched the iconic shopping bag! The bag became extremely popular selling out in minutes after restocking, and is a favorite of celebrities like Beyonce, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion. The bag was such a hit in New York, where the brand is based, that it was nicknamed the Bushwick Birkin. The highly sought-after brand was even recently mentioned in “Summer Renaissance,” the final track of Beyoncé’s July 2022 “Renaissance” album, earning the already buzzy label a boost in both searches and sales. Telfar bags hold in average a surprising and wildly impressive 195% of their retail value according to Rebag, proving to be an excellent investment.
The Shopping Bag is an ideal choice for consumers who want to keep up with the latest trends while still being practical and budget-conscious.
4. Fendi Baguette
In 1997 Fendi launched the first It Bag in history, the Fendi Baguette. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, she christened the bag the Baguette because this shoulder bag was made to sit comfortably under the arm in the very same way that the French are usually seen carrying their baguettes. Since its introduction, the Baguette instantly became one of the most sought-after bags in the fashion world, and more than 100,000 of these babies were sold in the first year alone. Over time it has evolved into different sizes, materials and colors, each new season there is a new Fendi Baguette for us to fall in love with! Today, 25 years after its debut, the Fendi Baguette, remains a stylish it bag that is iconic of the brand and one of the most classic designer shoulder bags!
According to Rebag the Fendi Baguette holds 115% of its retail value at resale!
5. Chanel Deauville Tote
Refined yet casual, there is no better bag to honor Coco Chanel’s first fashion boutique and favorite seaside destination than the Deauville tote, first introduced for the Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Received to incredible demand, the Deauville quickly expanded color, hardware, and material options to suit any season or occasion. Adorned with two intertwined chains, leather straps, the iconic interlocking CC logo, and “31 Rue Cambon” (the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique), this tote is an ode to the luxury brand’s rich history. The spacious tote is equipped with large zipped pockets and a key clasp, ensuring that no personal belongings be misplaced. Designed as the ideal beach bag – able to hold all the oceanside necessities one may need – the Deauville is functional in all variations.
According to the RealReal the Deauville tote has an average resale value of 112% of its original retail value, so it is not only a chic addition to your collection, but also a great investment!
6. Chanel Classic Flap
The Chanel handbag that would ultimately become synonymous with the brand was not created until 1983. The Chanel Classic Double Flap was first introduced when Karl Lagerfeld became creative director and decided to reinterpret Chanel’s iconic 2.55 Flap Bag. From his artistic vision came two new features – a leather woven chain and Double C turn-lock closure. Lagerfeld’s Classic Double Flap was a breakout success. Almost forty years later, and out of all the Chanel handbags on the market, the Classic Double Flap remains one of the most sought-after pieces ever crafted.
The classic 11.12 in lambskin is sold for $8,800 and has an average retention value of 107%.
7. Chanel Coco Handle
Also known as the ‘Flap Bag with Handle’ Chanel released this bag in 2015. The style received mixed reviews at the time. Critics said it was too similar to other Chanel styles. However, the Chanel Coco Handle has stood the test of time and is a fond favorite among many Chanel enthusiasts. The Chanel Top Handle features Chanel’s classic codes we all know and love, like the diamond quilting, the flap, the interlocking CC logo, and the chain strap, but with the addition of its distinctive feature: the top handle. This style has been growing in popularity with each year that passes.
This is a beautiful Chanel bag that is a little less serious that the classic styles is a great investment bag! In 2022 it sold for 104% its original price according to the RealReal!
8. Louis Vuitton Speedy
The Speedy bag is one of the most classic and iconic bags of Louis Vuitton! In 1930 the brand designed the Keepall weekender bag as a response for the advances in transportation and the new need for a compact and lightweight bag. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that the Speedy took the form that we known today. Audrey Hepburn commissioned Louis Vuitton to custom make her a smaller version of the Keepall, one that was fit for everyday life. After being spotted multiple times with the bag in hand Audrey has helped the Speedy become one of the most iconic bags ever designed! Perfect for everyday wear and stylish enough for any occasion, this is a bag that will never go out of style!
The Speedy Bandoulière 25 is sold for $1,820 and has an average retention value of 92%!
9. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Introduced in 2007 and thought to be created to compete with Goyard’s St. Louis Tote, the Neverfull was designed to be completely reversible with its contrasting interior. While it’s not widely publicized, the GM size of the Neverfull is able to hold up to 200 pounds of weight despite the appearance of its delicate handles. This bag is an amazing companion to take to the beach, to the airport or even to work. In 2013, Louis Vuitton updated their signature tote to include a detachable accessories pouch, and they began introducing additional interior lining colors with an updated print, and a full leather version.
When Louis Vuitton launched the OnTheGo tote it appeared that the Neverfull would be left behind, but so far, the Neverfull has truly proven to be a mainstay of the house. According to Rebag, the Neverfull is one of the most sought-after models in the luxury resale market.
With 85% retention value this is an amazing investment bag!
10. Gucci Attache Bag
The newest Gucci bag, launched in July this year, the Gucci Attache Bag is quickly becoming an icon and surprisingly it already has a great retail value! A reprisal of the style from 1975, the Gucci Attache handbag takes on a diverse, sophisticated silhouette thanks to its soft construction and G-shaped clasp. The Gucci Attache further connects the past and present as Alessandro Michele continues to set in motion storylines from the House archives. With a soft crescent shape that can be opened or closed thanks to the G clasp, this gender-neutral bag is a testament to versatility and functionality, always adapting to the moment. It comes in small and large sizes, to be worn by hand, on the shoulder or across the body. Allowing different styles and aesthetics, this bag will be a staple for 2023!
The small Gucci Attache bag is sold for $2,690 and has an average retention value of 84%.
Check out my post about My Ultimate Designer Bag Wishlist!
