Frugality may be having a cultural moment, but the pull of the best designer bags hasn’t faded. In fact, with certain styles now outperforming stocks and shares, the case for upgrading your arm candy has never felt more compelling.
Rather than opting for a quick high-street fix, there’s something quietly powerful about investing in a piece that will outlast trends — and potentially reward you in the long run. “Designer bags are one of those rare things that are both beautiful to own and smart to invest in,” says Hanushka Toni, founder of Sellier. “The most iconic styles sit outside the usual fashion cycles, quietly holding their value.”
She has the numbers to back it up. Vintage and pre-loved luxury handbags have risen in value by an average of 8% per year over the past decade, even outpacing gold. The Chanel Classic Flap, for example, has nearly doubled in retail price, rising roughly 93% between 2020 and 2025. As Toni puts it, some bags now trade “like little luxury commodities in their own right.”
Meet the expert
Glamour editor’s favourite designer bags:
Wondering which designer bags our editors can’t stop thinking about? Londie Ncube, Glamour‘s European Fashion Editor, is all about Jimmy Choo’s Cinch M. It comes in five different colours and, thanks to its slouchy nature, fits a variety of belongings. Chloé’s small Bracelet Hobo is Social Media Manager Robyn Eugene’s pick, and Mulberry’s Soft Bayswater bag is Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd’s go-to work bag.
So, where to look first? “Bags with strong heritage and iconic shapes always hold their ground,” says Toni, pointing to the Hermès Birkin and Kelly, Dior’s Lady Dior, and Louis Vuitton’s Capucines. These recognisable silhouettes remain collector favourites, season after season. Although if you’re more focused on turning towards trends, it’s early-2000s icons like Chloé’s Paddington and Balenciaga’s Le City that are back in rotation, she adds.
And, if you’re looking for your bag to last — which we all are — Toni tells us to turn to darker neutrals, such as black, navy, chocolate and deep burgundy. Plus, if you’re hoping to actually make an investment out of it, then remember condition is everything. Keep dust bags, boxes and receipts, rotate your collection, and avoid heat, moisture and rogue lipsticks at the bottom of your tote. “You don’t need to fuss,” says Toni, “just respect the craftsmanship”.
Ahead: The Glamour edit of the best designer handbags.
For more from Glamour UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. Looking for something other than top handle bags and messenger bags for the office? Check out our laptop backpacks round up.
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