Iconic Bags To Invest In
Must-haves, a safe bet… the luxury bag, of course. But which one to choose? Falling for a seasonal model is one thing, investing in a centerpiece is another. The most iconic bags are now so popular that they are often on the waiting list, and sometimes as expensive second-hand as in stores. Ladies, here are the iconic bags to invest in.
The Lady at Dior, the Bamboo at Gucci, the Peekaboo at Fendi… Each fashion house has (at least) one iconic bag that has passed through the generations. The only obstacle between them and our dressing room? Our bank account. Especially since lately, the prices of luxury leather goods have exploded. Chanel’s Classic, for example, increased, Saint Laurent’s Loulou. In question, the difficulties of access to raw materials and the increase in their price, or even fluctuations in exchange rates. There is also “pricing power”, a practice of inflating prices in times of austerity in order to compensate for the drop in sales volume. Or the scarcity effect, another marketing maneuver which consists in creating enthusiasm for a luxury bag, almost impossible to find, and therefore more expensive.
Be that as it may, their price increases regularly, health crisis or not. The Hermès Birkin, for example, has been steadily increasing for 40 years. In second hand, they resell as (or even more) expensive than the originals. More generally, on platforms like Collector Square or Monogram Paris, the sale of vintage bags has exploded.
Admittedly, there is something to discourage more than one, but suddenly, these can be considered as real financial investments. Objects of desire and pieces that we like to pass on, legendary or modern, here is a selection of the most iconic models. Just to bet on a luxury bag that is worth breaking the bank.
Hermès Birkin
To have a Birkin, it is better to do it in advance. Because the waiting list is about… 6 years. Moreover, we do not place an order at Hermès, we “express a wish”, that is to say. The story of this luxury bag? In 1981, Jane Birkin met the president of the Hermès house on a plane and told him about her problem as a young mother who could not find an elegant and practical bag. He then challenges her to design her ideal bag.
Three years later, the bag is marketed and takes the name of its muse. The success is dazzling. And 40 years later, the Birkin is still as iconic. Its most expensive version even sold in 2011 for $1.9 million. More recently, digital artist Mason Rothschild offered his own reinterpretations of the bag in the form of NFTs (non-fungible, i.e. non-reproducible) digital creations, for a project sold on the Metaverse. This “tribute” did not really please the brand. Hermès has sued to ban the digital reproduction of its iconic bag.
The Lady of Dior
Created in 1995, this luxury bag which was originally called the Chouchou was propelled to iconic status when the Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, wore it during a visit to Paris. It was then renamed Lady Dior. 25 years later, it hasn’t aged a bit. The House even created an event around its it-bag, with the “Lady Dior Art” capsule collection. At each edition, it invites artists from around the world to reinterpret its aesthetics and renew its universe. Enough to perpetuate the legend of this luxury bag.
This, without forgetting the numerous annual reissues in patent calfskin, more or less supple leather, or with ethnic shoulder straps…
Chanel’s 2.55
2.55, an enigmatic name? Not at all, it is a reference to its date of creation, in February 1955. A habit that its creator Gabrielle Chanel took (as with Chanel n°5). Encumbered by her handbags, she was inspired by the military bags of the time to create a shoulder bag with 7 practical pockets. Its lambskin quilting and metal chains make it instantly recognizable. Since its creation, more than 3000 variations have been offered, including an entire range, the “2.55 Vintage”. If you come across a 2.55 in soft black leather, without quilting but with chevrons, don’t hesitate!
Gucci’s Bamboo
The Bamboo made its debut in 1947, following World War II. Faced with the shortage of raw materials, the brand had the idea of making the handles of its luxury bag out of bamboo rather than leather. Its shapes evoke a horse saddle and its rigid structure gives it a nice hold. It experienced its first revival at the end of the 90s thanks to Tom Ford. Then, in 2010 when Frida Giannini, artistic director at the time, launched New Bamboo. A version available in python or Cellarius leather, produced in only 12 copies for each material. On this occasion, the Italian fashion house also organized an exhibition tracing its history. More than 70 years later, the Bamboo is still at the front of the stage.
Louis Vuitton’s Noé bag
Created in 1932, this bag is the brand’s second oldest (after the Speedy). Initially created for a champagne producer looking to transport his bottles elegantly, it quickly became an original and practical luxury bag with its bucket shape. In the 80s, it was found on the shoulders of young Parisians who liked the contrast with the rigid bags carried by their mothers. Epic leather, azure checkerboard, monogram canvas, the reinterpretations of this it-bag are numerous. More recently, in 2014, the brand modernized its classic by releasing a minimalist version: the NéoNoé.
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I hope you enjoyed these iconic bags to invest in and found them useful. Comment down below what you think, do you agree, or share with us your own selection.
Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!
