Designer bags are becoming increasingly popular not just amongst those who want the ultimate accessory, they’re becoming quite the investment piece too.
One thing’s for sure, the best luxury handbags (from an investment perspective anyway) are the ones that don’t change much over time, are iconic, timeless and classic pieces that continue to be sought after each and every season.
Today we’re taking a look at some of the most popular bags this year and some of the top 2021 handbag trends before wrapping up with our top 5 picks for investment designer bags this year.
What is the Most Popular Handbag for 2021?
The Prada Cleo has become the accessory everyone’s been trying to get their hands on this season. Sold out in many of its colourways, if you’re wanting to purchase a black one your chances are slim to none unless you can manage to find one on consignment.
Do Designer Handbags Increase in Value?
This entirely depends on the brand. Just because you have a designer handbag it doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily hold its value. Brands like Valentino don’t hold their value as much as the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hèrmes and Chanel, where a classic flap could see you making money in the long run even if it’s used. Bags like the Hermès Birkin/Kelly are also quite rare and in certain colours and styles, near impossible to get hold of meaning they have a much higher resale value.
What are the Handbag Trends in 2021?
Feathers and chunky chains seem to be the go-to this season which is why you might find the likes of the Versace La Medusa where you can swap and change the chains and the Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette which features a beautiful gold chain that complements the lambskin Napa weave.
There’s also been a big focus on small 90s style shoulder bags in 2021 so far with items like the Prada Cleo and the Gucci Jackie becoming the accessory on everyone’s arms and chainmail coming back.
Woven raffia bags have also been in the spotlight as well as fisherman net styles.
Top 5 Investment Designer Bags for 2021
So, which bags should you be investing in this year? You’ll note that different to the trending bags of this year, these are all timeless classics that have been on the market for a while.
1) Hermès Birkin
The Hermès Birkin is the epitome of luxury. Launched in 1984 after a chance encounter between Jean-Louis Dumas and Jane Birkin who was struggling to find a stylish tote that would fit all her daughter’s bottles in. Within 10 years this bag became an icon and sadly isn’t something you can usually just purchase by walking into an Hermès shop and asking for it. Nevertheless, if you can find this bag second hand it’s a worthy and timeless investment.
2) Chanel Classic Flap
The Chanel Classic Flap isn’t just an icon, it’s a story too. The life of Coco Chanel was never dull and she transformed fashion for women. Chanel increases its prices twice every year and the limited supply of the classic flap makes it a high demand piece. It would’ve cost you around £1500 in today’s money to buy the 2.55 flap back in 1955 when it was originally released, today it retails at £6500 making it a solid investment for any handbag enthusiast. Plus, is there anything that this bag doesn’t go with?
3) Chanel Boy Bag
This luxury bag, designed by Karl Lagerfeld has been around for 10 years now and has become an icon of the fashion house. Men were a big inspiration for Coco Chanel’s designs, and Karl Lagerfeld decided to name the Boy after Coco Chanel’s long-time lover, Boy Capel. It’s a bulkier version of the classic flap with a cloth interior and inspired by cartridge bags made for hunters. With chains coming back for 2021, the chain handle will certainly add to its appeal this year and is sure to rise in popularity on the second-hand market.
4) Bottega Veneta Cabat
The Cabat is one of the more iconic luxury handbags in the House of Bottega Veneta and is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. It’s the perfect understated summer tote that’s remained timeless over the years and is handwoven with the signature Bottega Veneta Napa weave. This weave has become so iconic that there’ve been very similar dupes of this in high street shops like TopShop, none of which quite live up to the original, however.
5) Hermès Kelly Bag
With a rather similar resemblance to the Birkin, the Kelly is equally as iconic. First released in the 1930s this bag shot to fame when in the 1950s it was renamed the Kelly after Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco and former Hollywood star used the bag to conceal her pregnancy bump. The Kelly is now an entire collection featuring belts, wallets and watches.
