Sustainable luxury and the second hand handbag market

As first published in Chislehurst Life Magazine January 2023

The market for second hand luxury accessories is particularly boyant, with the market for second hand handbags by top designers such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton at an absolute premium

Hermès is number one when it comes to luxury handbags. As a company which brands itself on excellent craftsmanship, Hermès is a company which has been handed down through six generations of the same family, and each of their bags uses the finest leathers and takes days to craft.

The Hermes Birkin bag is arguably one of the most prestigious, expensive and coveted bag in the world.

It was inspired by songwriter and actress Jane Birkin who met the head of Hermes on an Air France flight in 1984. During the fight Jane had complained that there wasn't a bag around that was elegant yet large enough to carry all that she needed. The Head of Hermes took note and the 'Birkin' bag was born.

There are various versions of the 'Birkin' with the bags made from luxurious exotic reptile skins such as crocodile and lizard commanding the highest prices. Each season Hermes updates it colour ways and leathers with some colours and versions being discontinued making them more desirable on the second hand market. Other bags by Hermes also in high demand are the Kelly so called after Grace Kelly appeared with it covering her pregnancy in 1954, the 'Retourne and the 'Evelyne. Many Birkin and other

Hermès bags have waiting lists so demand for second hand pieces is stronger than ever.

Chanel

Another timeless classic the iconic Chanel 2.55 bag was designed by Coco Chanel in February 1955 hence the name 2.55. At the time it was met with great controversy as it was the first women's bag to come with a strap. The iconic classic flap bag came in many colours, and editions have changed over the years but the design has largely stayed the same with the 2.55 bag becoming a highly desirable staple for any woman.

Buvers of luxury bags expect them to be excellent condition, with premium prices being paid for those with original receipts, dust bags, 'raincoats' (for Hermès bags), padlocks, boxes, tags etc.

If you have a luxury bag or any designer accessories that you would like to have appraised with a view to auction, please contact Catherine Southon on 0208 468 1010 or email info@catherinesouthon.co.uk