Tuesday 8 June 2010

The Ultimate Classic Investment Handbags


Most bags are worth more because of their exclusivity. 
Limited editions often gain value immediately after they are discontinued for the sheer hard-to-get factor. Also, certain brands are coveted for their unique colors. For example, Balenciaga releases its standard bags in unusual colors each season. These small batches are coveted because there are fewer in existence. Also, Hermès bags such as Birkins and Kellys are extremely hard to get in general; let alone getting the exact color, leather, and style you want. The waiting list on a Birkin is two years, and that is if you even get on the waiting list. Typically you have to have a good relationship with a Sales Associate to be able to order one of these beauties.


Hermès

The Rolls Royce of handbags, each is made entirely by hand and some models have waitlists of years. The most coveted styles are the Birkin and the KellyBirkin bags sell in Hermès stores starting at $8,500 and ranging upwards of $50,000. Price varies depending on the skin. Obviously a porosus crocodile (considered the finest crocodile skin in the world with the smallest scales) handbag is going to be more than five times the price of a calfskin (Clemence, Togo, Evergrain, Box Calf, etc.) or goat leather (Chevre) BirkinBirkins are also made in Toile, which is considered the most durable and easy-to-clean woven canvas. 
Exotic skin Birkins that sell for over $50,000 tend to have special features such as diamond accented hardware.
Kelly bags have a greater dispersion in price range because of the volume of existing vintage Kellys, as they have been around much longer than Birkin bags. Vintage Kellys(depending on size and condition) at the very very low end can start around $2,200 in leather, and run much higher if exotic skin is involved. Newer leather Kelly’s typically start around $5,500. These price ranges are very broad as there are many sizes, colors, and styles of these bags. Prices vary depending on condition, rarity of color, skin or leather, hardware, etc.
Official website : http://www.hermes.com/

Chanel
The brand’s unmistakable quilted appearance has been in vogue for more than half-a-century. Choose a classic Chanel Quilted Single or Double FlapBag to make the most of your purchase. These typically come in Caviar Leather (textured with small pebbles and highly durable), Lambskin (soft and smooth), and Patent. These bags range anywhere from $1,900 to upwards of $3,500 depending on size, color, rarity, etc.
Official website : http://www.chanel.com/

Louis Vuitton
A repeating logo has never looked so sophisticated. This company’s timeless and unforgettable monogram automatically puts you in fashion’s elite; choose a Speedy that will hold all of your essentials. Both monogram and epi leathers are great investments. In the Louis Vuitton store, monogram and epi leather Speedys typically sell for anywhere between $700-$1,400 depending on size.
Official website : http://www.louisvuitton.com/

Balenciaga
A piece from this collection allows you to go high-fashion without following trends. There’s a little bit of downtown chic in styles like the ever-popular Motorcycle. The designer pumps these bags out every season without fail, changing styles or adding to the classic existing ones. The Arena City Classic bag is always a safe bet. These bags sell in stores from about $1,400 - $3,000. When factoring in exotic skins such as crocodile, these bags can be over $17,000.
Official website : http://www.balenciaga.com/

Ferragamo
Elegant and decidedly luxe, these bags use top-of-the-line leathers and are known for exceptional quality. The signature Marissa satchel has socialite written all over it. Depending on the leather, these bags typically start at $1,000 for basic leather styles. When they are special edition or exotic, they start around $5,000 and can go upwards of $10,000.
Official website : http://www.ferragamo.com/

Bottega Veneta
The Italian design house is known for its soft and beautifully woven (intrecatto) nappa leather bags that are as durable as they are beautiful. The classic Veneta Hobo is the perfect functional and fashionable daytime accessory. These bags typically sell in stores from $2,000 for the smallest, up to around $3,500. This hobo bag is also periodically made in exotic skins, which obviously hikes the price significantly.
Official website : http://www.bottegaveneta.com/

Fendi
Selleria bags are a classic staple made from Selleria leather and crafted using ancient Roman saddle-making techniques with signature equestrian topstitching. These bags come in many different styles from hobos to totes to doctor bags. Selleria bags usually sell in stores from around $1,500 and past $3,000. But, don’t forget the popularity of the Fendi Baguette (Sex and the City, anyone?) for an evening out on the town. These usually run from $1,000 up to $2,500 depending on size and leather, and obviously a much higher price for exotic skins.
Official website : http://www.fendi.com/

Judith Leiber
All hail the queen of crystals. Leiber’s gorgeous Austrian crystal studded bags defy categorization because they are all so wonderfully unique. In this instance, snagging one of her limited edition clutches is the way to go. In stores Judith’s crystal bags usually sell between $3,000 and $6,000.
Official website : http://www.judithleiber.com/



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