From Hermès to Chanel, these iconic pieces aren’t just fashion statements – they’re smart investments for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and lasting value.
Luxury handbags have gone from fashion must-haves to smart investments. From Hermès’ legendary Birkin to Chanel’s iconic Flap Bag, these timeless pieces aren’t just sitting pretty in your closet—they’re growing in value. With the right handbag, you’re not only carrying a chic accessory but you’re also making a savvy financial move. As fashion and finance continue to overlap, here’s why investing in a designer handbag could be an equally smart and stylish move.
1. Hermès Birkin
A classic structured silhouette inspired by actress Jane Birkin
Image: Hermès
The Hermès Birkin isn’t just a handbag—it’s one of the most valuable fashion investments in the world. Prices climb year after year, with rare editions appreciating faster than stocks. The story began in 1984 when Jane Birkin mentioned to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas that she needed a bag that was both stylish and practical. That conversation sparked the creation of what is now the most exclusive and valuable handbag in the world.
The holy grail? The Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin, which sold for over $450,000 at Sotheby’s in 2022. Other collector favorites, like the all-black So Black Birkin or the Faubourg Birkin inspired by Parisian rooftops, are just as coveted. Snagging one isn’t just a flex: it’s a financial power move. Securing a Birkin is no simple feat, though. With no official waitlist, the process takes months or even years. After all, each bag is handcrafted by expert artisans, requiring 48 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.
Resale value: Retains 80 to 120 percent of retail value
Resale price range: $15,000 to $250,000
2. Louis Vuitton Speedy
A favourite of Audrey Hepburn for its compact size
Image: Getty Images/Bettmann
The Louis Vuitton Speedy is proof that great style never goes out of fashion. Designed in the 1930s as a downsized version of the Keepall, it became an instant classic. Its true icon status came in the 1960s, when Audrey Hepburn requested an even smaller version: the now-legendary Speedy 25. Lightweight, practical, and instantly recognisable for its Monogram canvas, the Speedy has remained a go-to for generations of fashion lovers.
Unlike other investment-worthy handbags, the Speedy is relatively affordable, making it an accessible entry point into luxury collecting. Standard models are usually in stock at Louis Vuitton boutiques, but limited editions—like the Takashi Murakami collaborations or rare vintage pieces—fetch impressive resale prices.
Resale value: Retains a good portion, but only the limited edition or rare versions will appreciate
Resale price range: Typically $540 to $2,000; more than $2,700 for rare or discontinued editions
3. Chanel 2.55
The first-ever handbag to feature a shoulder strap
Image: Getty Images/Edward Berthelot
Some bags are trendy, but the Chanel 2.55 is timeless. Created by Coco Chanel herself in February 1955, this classic was a game-changer, with its shoulder strap offering the freedom to go hands-free—something that was unheard of at the time. The 2.55’s rectangular Mademoiselle lock adds a touch of personal flair, as Chanel herself preferred a sleek, minimalist design over big logos.
With its signature quilted pattern, inspired by the jackets of stable boys, the 2.55 has become the ultimate symbol of chic. And if you’re lucky enough to own a vintage piece in a classic color, you’re in for a treat—these handbags have only gotten more valuable over time, making them one of the most desirable investments in fashion today.
Resale value: Holds value well, with vintage models increasing in price over time
Resale price range: $3,400 to $8,100; up to $20,000 for vintage editions
4. Hermès Kelly
Renamed after Princess Grace Kelly used it to shield her baby bump from paparazzi
Image: Instagram/alwaysgracekelly and Sotheby’s
The Hermès Kelly handbag is a true icon with a fascinating backstory. Originally called the Sac à Dépêches in the 1930s, it became known as the Kelly after Princess Grace Kelly famously used it to discreetly hide her pregnancy in 1956. Known for its trapezoidal shape and sleek top handle, each Kelly is carefully crafted, taking between 18 to 25 hours to make.
It’s available in two styles: Sellier which is more structured, and Retourne, with soft, rounded edges. The Kelly comes in luxurious leathers like Togo, Epsom, and exotic options like crocodile. Interestingly, each bag comes with its own lock and key—the keys are stored in a leather clochette attached to the handle. While the bags are available at boutiques, customers typically need a strong purchase history and should expect long wait times due to the exclusivity of the brand.
Resale value: High, often appreciates significantly for rare or limited-edition models
Resale price range: $12,000 to $50,000; over $150,000 for exotic leather or rare versions
5. Lady Dior
Often touted around by Princess Diana and renamed in her honour
Image: Dior
The Lady Dior handbag has always been a statement of understated luxury. first introduced in 1995 as the “Chouchou,” it became the Lady Dior after Princess Diana was spotted carrying it—making it the ultimate “it bag” almost overnight. With its signature Cannage quilting that’s uniquely inspired by Napoleon III chairs, it’s not just a bag, but a piece of history.
Each Lady Dior is made from over 140 pieces, assembled with impeccable attention to detail. While you can find them at Dior boutiques, landing a seasonal design takes a bit of luck. And with collaborations from artists like Olafur Eliasson and Kaws, the Lady Dior continues to be a coveted, art-inspired piece that only gets more desirable with time.
Resale value: High, especially for limited editions or vintage pieces
Resale price range: $4,000 to $8,000; more than $15,000 for rare pieces
6. Chanel Classic Flap
A reinterpretation by Karl Lagerfeld of the original 2.55 bag
Image: Getty Images
The Chanel Classic Flap is one of the most coveted handbags in the fashion world, and it’s easy to see why. Originally designed by Coco Chanel in 1955, it got its signature twist in 1983 when Karl Lagerfeld added the iconic interlocking “CC” lock, tapping into the 1980s craze for flaunting luxury.
But it’s not just about the logo—inside, there’s a hidden love letter pocket, a little secret Chanel herself used to stash notes. The diamond quilting, inspired by jockey jackets, gives it that perfect mix of style and substance. Whether you wear it on your shoulder, across your body, or just carry it in your hand, the Classic Flap never looks out of place. And let’s be honest, the black caviar leather with gold hardware? It’s practically the gold standard in luxury handbags.
Resale value: Exceptionally high
Resale price range: $8,000 to $12,000; more than $30,000 for rare editions
7. Goyard St. Louis
A bag that has never been advertised
Image: Stockholm Streetstyle
The Goyard St. Louis is a bag that speaks volumes without saying a word. Known for its timeless elegance, this bag has never relied on flashy advertising or celebrity endorsements to make its mark. Goyard has always kept things low-key—no ads, no billboards, just word of mouth and a loyal following of those in the know.
The bag’s chevron pattern, individually hand-painted on each piece, means that no two St. Louis bags are alike. It’s also reversible, offering two looks in one: the signature Goyard canvas or a sleek plain linen interior. With no overt branding, it’s the kind of luxury that quietly stands out, making a statement without needing to shout.
Resale value: Retains a good portion, with rare colours or customisations appreciating in value
Resale price range: $1,800 to $4,500
8. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Personalise with initials, stripes, or even colourful illustrations
Image: Getty Images/ Edward Berthelot
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the bag that truly lives up to its name—it’s as roomy as it sounds and just as stylish. Introduced in 2007, this iconic tote is built for those who need a bag that can do it all, from workday essentials to weekend getaways. With over 45 steps to craft each one, the Neverfull isn’t just big—it’s made with the kind of attention to detail that Louis Vuitton is known for. Plus, it comes with a handy zipped pouch that doubles as a mini-bag.
Make the most of Louis Vuitton’s Mon Monogram service too, to add custom initials, stripes, or even fun illustrations. The Neverfull also frequently teams up with artists like Kusama and Murakami for special collaborations, so you can be sure that your tote is never just basic.
Resale value: Exceptional, especially for rare editions
Resale price range: $1,600 to $4,700
9. Fendi Baguette
The very first “It” bag
Image: Getty Images/ Edward Berthelot
The Fendi Baguette is a bag that needs no introduction, especially if you’re a fan of Sex and the City. As Carrie Bradshaw famously declared, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette,” and with that line, she turned this little number into a cultural phenomenon. That moment sparked an obsession with statement handbags, and the Baguette was at the heart of it.
Since its debut, this iconic bag has come in over 1,000 different styles—from beaded and sequined versions to exotic leathers—giving endless options for customization. Originally designed to be tucked under the arm like a true baguette, it was ahead of its time, making mini bags the ultimate accessory long before they became a trend.
Resale value: Holds value well, especially vintage pieces
Resale price range: $2,500 to $8,000
10. Loewe Puzzle Bag
Origami-inspired structure with hand-stitched panels
Image: Getty Images/Christian Vierig
The Loewe Puzzle Bag is the handbag that’s had everyone talking since its debut in 2015. Its geometric, cubist-inspired panels give it a striking, sculptural form, but don’t be deceived—the bag is incredibly soft and supple despite its structure. Each piece requires 75 meticulous steps to assemble, showcasing Loewe’s dedication to craftsmanship.
What sets the Puzzle Bag apart is its versatility. It can be worn five different ways: crossbody, shoulder, as a backpack, hand-held, or as a clutch. It’s also the first bag in the industry that can lie completely flat, making it a dream for storage or travel. Loewe continues to reinvent the Puzzle with exciting materials like raffia, embossed leathers, and shearling, keeping it fresh and unexpected. Stylish, practical, and always evolving, this bag is a true fashion chameleon.
Resale value: Constant strong interest among collectors
Resale price range: $3,000 to $6,500
Designer handbags with resale value
Luxury handbags are more than just a trend—select handbags are also savvy investments. From the iconic Hermès Birkin to the effortlessly versatile Loewe Puzzle, these pieces do more than complete your outfit since they stand the test of time and often appreciate in value. Whether for style or future gain, these bags are a smart choice.
Cover image: Edward Berthelot, Dior
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