Your Luxury Handbags Are More Than Accessories, But Valuable Investments


After almost 27 years in the ultra-luxury resale market and over 2 million handbags cleaned, FASHONPHILE Atelier has developed its own collection to Protect Your Ultra-Luxury Investments and ensure a successful resale—or pass it down to future generations, you know! ;-) 

Why Do Iconic Handbags Maintain And Increase Their Value? 

Ultra-luxury fashion brands have focused on telling stories, offering experiences, and generating heritage assets, going beyond a fleeting trend to be valued as true wearable works of art, far beyond leather and hardware. 

“An iconic handbag is not simply an accessory: it's a statement of belonging… it doesn't just speak of style, it speaks of history, culture, and access to a world that resists mass production.” Maria Gabar

Carrying it is a statement of power and exclusivity, connecting the owner to fashion history and elevated status.

Iconic and timeless handbags maintain and increase their value through a combination of scarcity (limited production), timeless design, superior craftsmanship (savoir-faire), high-quality materials, and their status as an investment and cultural symbol, becoming tangible assets that outlast inflation and market volatility, often selling for more than their original price on the resale market.

Furthermore, some handbag models, such as the strapless Louis Vuitton Speedy ‘Express Bag’ (1930), are only available in pre-loved collections, as they've been secretly discontinued by the maison. 

Your high-end brand handbags are generally crafted with exceptional materials and artisanal techniques, making the piece not only beautiful but also durable.

Iconic handbags aren't made to last just a few months—while the trend fades—but are designed to accompany you for years, even decades. 

As Vivienne Westwood said, "Buy less, choose well, make it last”.

 

While there's beauty in the subtle marks of everyday use over time, like patina, and these marks tell a story about your experiences, your movements, and bear witness to life and enjoyment, they also tend to depreciate the value of your luxury items.

And, unless you're the reincarnation of Jane Birkin and your good bag matters more for who carried it than its monetary value, it's unlikely that one of your barely cared-for pre-owned bags will fetch $10.1 million at auction.


The Importance of Preventative Care in Resale Value

Most pre-loved luxury marketplaces classify their products according to the condition of the goods (fewer signs of use = higher returns!).

FASHIONPHILE has a rating system committed to transparency, which describes seven different conditions you might find for resale:

1. Giftable – The item is in new condition and includes: the original box, case, AND/OR attached retail tags.

2. ”New” – Maybe appear unused but may have faint signs of wear due to storage conditions.

3. Excellent – The items are clean and contain very little wear.

4. Shows Wear – Slightly worn corners, creases in leather, and tarnished hardware may be visible. However, they still have a lot of life in them.

5. Worn – The items show moderate signs of prior use like surface scratches, slight darkening in handles, among others.

6. Fair – Fair condition items at FASHIONPHILE will have noticeable signs of wear (be sure to read the condition notes in the listing and carefully inspect photos). However, customers could have a big opportunity to save significantly on authentic luxury items!

7. Flawed – “Flawed” items at FASHIONPHILE are generally in nice condition, but have a major defect or flaw that affects the item’s appearance or functionality.

Storage and Daily Use Tips to Preserve Your Investment

• Rotation: Constantly switch bags to distribute daily use and avoid excessive stress on a single item.

• Don't overload: Avoid stretching the straps and deforming the structure. According to Marie Kondo, it's recommended that bags rest on a flat surface, and not be hung by their handles on hangers, as they wear out from constantly supporting their own weight.

• Internal protection: Use Handbag Protector Pouches to store keys, makeup, and pens, thus preventing scratches and spills.

• Be careful with liquids: Make sure cosmetics and drinks are tightly closed.

• Avoid excessive contact: Keep it away from dirty surfaces or dark and rough clothing.

• Store Well: Store it in its original dust bag, away from humidity and direct light, preferably stuffed, to maintain its shape. 

However, the best secret to preserving your handbags is to USE THEM! Stored in a closet, they're exposed to moths, humidity (or excessive dryness), mold, too much heat in summer or tropical climates, etc., and tend to get damaged under adverse conditions. So, it's best to embrace them and enjoy them!

Ultra-luxury handbags are symbols of identity, strategy, and financial vision, capable of combining style, history, and profitability in a single object and surviving time, economic crises, and fleeting trends.

You're invited to join the community of conscious care. Shop The Investment Protection Collection here! 


Jessymar Daneau Tovar (@letroupe)

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