Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy
One of my guilty pleasures is “Treasure Hunting” AKA (shopping for vintage designer handbags). It’s alway been fun to hunt for a rare or special piece to add to my collection. Whether you are looking to add to your collection or simply thinking about purchasing a vintage Louis Vuitton for daily wear … this post, ‘Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy’ is for you.
After many years of research on buying and selling designer handbags, I’m going to list my all time top recommendations for purchasing or collecting vintage handbags. More than ever vintage is a safe investment. The demand of eco-friendly and sustainability options are gaining more and more. Collectors are buying up classic staples and also rare hard to find pieces for their collections and as investments. Certain bags are actually increasing in value over time.
It’s no surprise Hermes and Chanel bags are always at the top of the collectors lists. Both options are your safest bet for future resale value and usually increase over time. When I first began my Chanel obsession, I remember the Classic Medium Flap Handbag being $2,400 back in 2006. Now here we are in 2022 and it’s way up past $7800. It’s unbelievable if you think about it. (I wish I would have known that at the time, as I would have held onto my classics from then and purchased even more!)
Since the Gucci Jackie bag was re-issued last year it really drove the demand for the vintage counterpart and I’ve noticed it happen also with the Lady Dior and Fendi baguettes in the past few years. It’s really fun and exciting to see these trends happen.
Purchasing a designer handbag, and having it either go up in value or at least stay the same value is an art form in itself. Reasons handbags go up or down in value depends on many factors. Brand, popularity, shape, condition and demand are some of the main points.
When it comes to vintage handbag buying the game is real. My favorite place to find a deal on a vintage bag is on eBay. There are many options popping up daily and you can make your best offer on your favorite bag. I really trust ebay now days due to the honest feedback rating system. Fashionphile is also a safe place to purchase an authentic handbag however the price is set and there are no offers to be made. Every item does go thru a process of authentication before it is sold which is reassuring. The most dangerous place to buy a handbag is usually on Craigslist or private party only because there are many scammers waiting for an inexperienced victim to come around and you don’t want to be that buyer. There are many ways to know right off the bat if you are looking at an authentic handbag. I will go into more detail on authentication tips in a future blog post.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags to Buy right now, according to my expertise.
1. Fendi Baguette
One of the first ever It-bags, The Fendi Baguette was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997. Not immediately famous, it only took a few appearances on the Sex and the City tv show to reach icon status.
This bag is currently hot in the resale market. Try to find one that is in excellent condition or like new for best future value. The more details and beads the better.
2. Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Speedy
This cute little bag has recently increased in value and is getting harder to find. Even fair condition holds value. Avoid bags with corner wear, rips, odors or tears.
3. Louis Vuitton Croissant Shoulder Bag
The half moon shape is back in full force this fall. First Introduced in the early 2000’s and now very hard to find. The resale value continues to hold.
4. Chanel Classic Flap
The holy grail of all bags. Designed by Coco Chanel in 1955. Quickly became a must-have fashion item and remains so today.
Any size and any color will have good resale value now and in the future.
Purchase in good condition and up. Only purchase if there is a serial sticker intact. If it is missing don’t buy it. Also if it is sticky on the interior steer clear. I recommend shopping on Ebay for Vintage Chanel, new items arrive daily.
5. Gucci Jackie Bag.
Designed in the 1950’s, the Jackie bag was originally called the Fifties Constance. Former first lady Jackie Kennedy was famously photographed wearing the bag in the 1970’s, it became her chic style and the name of the bag today. This bag remains iconic and had since been re-released making it a wardrobe must. I’m loving the mini version.
