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When we think about investing money, we rarely get the idea of allocating our capital to fashion. The easy availability of clothes and accessories and the huge variety of boutiques make us forget about the long-term financial value of clothing. We are happy to buy new and unworn items based on our own style and aesthetics, despite the fact that in over two hundred years, designers have created a multitude of iconic outfits that have gone down in fashion history. Mistakenly, it may seem that these iconic creations are no longer available on the market. In reality, you just need to know what and where to look.

An accessory of recognizable value

One of the key accessories that mark the world of fashion is, of course, the handbag — a much-loved and practical addition to any outfit that gives great scope for the designer's creativity and, due to its material, is a highly durable object. Unique handbag models, which are not necessarily still available from the original manufacturer, travel the secondary market gaining in value and increasing their collector and investment potential. Owning a handbag from a renowned designer is a sign of prestige, luxury and social status. The more exclusive the model, the greater the interest in a particular handbag among fashion lovers. Investing in this type of accessory is not just about buying a new piece of clothing. It is also a manifestation of our passion for fashion and individual style, as well as the everyday joy of using a beautiful accessory with a recognizable value. A handbag can also be treated as a work of art. Bag collectors create displays of their collections without necessarily enjoying the practical value of their acquisitions. Additionally, when thinking of buying an expensive, unique handbag to use as a capital investment, there is no need to worry about market fluctuations. Unlike other forms of investment (such as real estate, for example), the value of handbags is immune to possible economic changes, making them an attractive asset during periods of economic uncertainty. 

 

The handbag as a collector's item 

We are surrounded by fashion possibilities. The items we desire are readily available in millions of boutiques and online shops. Clothes, shoes, and handbags are created on a mass scale, and the ubiquity of related designs obliterates the specificity and uniqueness of our outfits. However, if we choose to delve into the subject of fashion and its history, we can discover a whole spectrum of unique objects. Cult handbags, designed by renowned designers and well-known fashion houses, are characterized by an extraordinary design that sets them apart from other models and is recognizable among those interested in the subject. Brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Hermès, fashion houses that have been dictating trends for years, have many iconic handbags in their prestigious heritage. The famous and long-cherished accessories by prominent designers are still actively sought after by collectors, regardless of current trends in the fashion world. What actually makes a handbag cease to be a regular accessory and become a collector's item? It is worth noting several factors that determine the value and status of a handbag. Firstly, the history of the model in question, i.e. its origin, designer, manufacturer, time of creation and public reception. The more famous the manufacturer, the more recognizable the handbag. The more interesting the design, the greater the interest in the object. Collector fashion experts and experts in fashion history can help you learn more about the history of your chosen handbag. Secondly, the popularity of a particular model. Some handbags gain iconic status through recognition among influential people, celebrities, or influencers. Famous people promote designers by simply showing off their products. This definitely influences the ease of identification of the handbag by the wider public, ultimately attracting collectors encouraged by the popularity attribute of the accessory. Thirdly, rarity and limited availability. Many iconic handbags are no longer manufactured. Only a certain number of models remain on the market, and the limited production of an item increases its value. Such rarities are particularly appreciated by collectors, including financially. Fourthly, the investment issue. All of the above factors are relevant to the final price of a handbag. The results of collector fashion auctions can prove to us whether demand for a particular model has increased or decreased in recent years. Before buying, it is worth looking at the previous prices of the product in order to make a profitable transaction that will pay dividends in the future. Paying attention to the four threads above will make you more familiar with the item you are interested in and understand why buying that particular handbag is a good choice in terms of collecting and investment. 

 

Where to look for collectible handbags?

We associate vintage fashion primarily with secondhand shops, which nowadays range from shops selling random clothes by weight to vintage stores with a selective range. Regardless of the type of boutique, there is always a chance to find a unique fashion gem in second-hand shops. However, this is a long process, requiring a lot of fashion knowledge, patience, and energy. On the other hand, fashion collectibles are increasingly finding their way to auction houses, which are the best intermediaries in this type of transaction. After a professional valuation by an expert, a handbag can go to auction and fetch a price much higher than the seller expects. On the other hand, the customer, even if he or she buys the handbag online, can count on real information regarding the item's state of preservation, as well as confirmation of its originality with a certificate. Such a document preserves the security of the handbag's attribution and will be proof of its value in a possible subsequent sale. This expert authentication certifies that the handbag purchased is not a counterfeit, which we could come across in a secondhand shop. 

 

Collector handbags on offer at Artbidy

The Artbidy Collector's Fashion Department offers four unique handbags from popular fashion houses: Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta. We encourage you to have a look at the handbags on offer, which showcase the aesthetic diversity of collectible accessories. Our experts will be happy to tell you the story of the handbags on offer, as well as advise you on investment issues and on creating your own collection of unique fashion pieces.

Added 2024-03-01 in by Rozalia Ziołkowska

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