How vintage designer handbags became trendy

Just like any fashion accessory, a handbag will always be a staple to an outfit whether if it’s casual or formal. Lately on social media, fashion influencers and celebrities utilize it on social sites such as YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Lately, luxury brands leverage social media by collaborating with celebrities and fashion influencers. For example, American YouTube influencer Emma Chamberlain was recently appointed as the face of Louis Vuitton.

Social media definitely plays a big role in consumer behaviour . The portrayal of luxury handbags on social media is able to give a visual stimulation that convinces consumers to either like or dislike an item unless they have a very strong opinion about the bag itself.

Most fashion consumers look up to their favourite celebrities or influencers to catch up with trends, including finding out about the latest handbag in town.

Shareinasia is a Kuala Lumpur-based luxury handbag consignment store. Available both physically and online, all handbags housed in Shareinasia are authenticated. Some brands that they carry include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more.

“In the vintage and preloved market, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès have the best overall resale value. However, it depends on the model of the bag, how popular it is, the size, the material and also the hardware colour,” says the owner of Shareinasia who prefers to remain anonymous.

There are many factors that affect the selling price; whether it’s the condition or even how recent the bag was produced. By far, Hermès bags have the highest resale value whereas the preloved market is higher than retail prices.

A resale value of a Hermès Birkin would cost from 9000 to 50000 (USD). Getting a Birkin from the boutique would usually costs 12,450 (USD) and the stocks in the boutique are always scarce.

A Hermès Birkin

However, she asserts that the value of a handbag depends on the market as well: “Of course, that’s only if its models like Birkin and Kelly are in a desirable colour and material , the seller explained about the current value of the luxury handbags."

As a curated seller of rare vintage items, most bag collectors would like to keep a rare item that is limited edition depending on the customer's choice: “There are two types of vintage bag lovers, the one that likes to collect the vintage version of a specific model, or the one that loves unique and rare bags.”

“We are vintage lovers of rare and good-looking designs, that’s why our customers tend to have the same view as us and like to purchase unique designs that other stores usually don’t dare to sell,.” the seller said.

Luxury vintage bags on sale

Since fashion consumers are more interested in collecting discontinued luxury handbags, they are considered “vintage”. Consumers are now purchasing pre-owned handbags online or consignment stores have a better sustainable approach and are slightly cheaper to purchase at the boutique.

“Definitely, not only does it reduce the carbon footprint emission drastically, it also promotes recycling bags. The market gets to sell and earn while the customers get to purchase the bag at a lower price unless it is a limited edition or hard to get model that is higher than the retail price. There is always a bag for everyone no matter your taste," added the seller.

Every year, luxury brands will increase their prices for their goods due to inflation .

“Everything around us actually increases in price, no matter if it’s food or property, it is because the resources are slowly getting more expensive and the price has to also increase to compensate for the cost.”

“Social media has also promoted luxury brands to be a desirable object by many people. People are willing to pay a higher price with the mentality that “the higher the price, the more luxurious it is”.

Some of the fashion trends that re-emerge from previous seasons are the mini shoulder bags. Beyond brands, people purchase this handbag style due to its practicality. Some of the famous mini shoulder bags are the Prada Nylon Hobo and the Fendi Baguette.

“It depends on the remodeled design. If it is more practical but looks aesthetically pleasing, then I think that it is amazing,” says the owner.

“ The remodeled Louis Vuitton Nano Speedy now has hooks on the side with an adjustable strap which is way more convenient than the vintage version. Brands usually remake a design because of its popularity before, that is why remodeled designs usually sell well. They are trendy for a reason.” the seller said.

It varies on the customer’s choice of purchasing luxury handbags to be purchased at the boutique or consignment.

“It depends on your own point of view, if you have the ability to collect rare and expensive vintage handbags in the hopes that it might be trendy and rise in its price one day like the Chanel classic flap, then go for it! “

The owner shares a few pieces of advice for handbag collectors. “Make sure that you don’t mind purchasing the item because you like it. If you treat rare vintage bags as an investment, I would say that it’s not the safest option, it has uncertainty but if you don’t mind and believe that the style of bag will be timeless, then it should be worth it. In my opinion, I think that everyone should buy bags because they like it, not because they hope to earn money with it but feel pressure about the price.,”

“Handbags are not a necessity but they create happiness for anyone who purchases them!” concludes the owner with a high note.