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...I can’t help but think you’d be a fool to splash out on a new one when there are so many beautiful vintage options available.

LUXURY VINTAGE BAGS WORTH BUYING

17th September 2019
Fashion
by Dominique Waller

I know I’m getting old because for the first time I’m seeing old fashion trends come back in vogue. Styles and looks which were popular when I was a teenager have returned and are back in a big way!

These days nothing makes me happier then rooting through the back of my (or my mum’s) wardrobe in search of old treasures I can give a new lease of life to. I’ve been lucky enough to rediscover a couple of oldie but goodie handbags recently. There’s something about adding a stylish vintage bag to your outfit which really elevates it in the fashion stakes.

If you’re fortunate enough to still have youth on your side and don’t remember any of the 90s and 00s fashions, I thought I’d share the best and most iconic vintage bags to invest in.

The return of logos over the last 3 years has meant several luxury fashion houses has reverted back to their original logo motifs. Most notably we’ve seen this at Dior and Fendi.

Vintage Fendi

Almost anything in the Fendi Zucca print is worth snapping up. Prices for these have gone up exponentially in the last couple of years but if you hunt around on the likes of Depop, eBay, Vestiaire and local preloved fashion stores, there are still some bargains to be had.

The most iconic handbag Fendi produced is the Baguette bag. It was regularly touted by fashion-darling Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Fendi recently reintroduced it to their collection with prices starting from £1700. However, I can’t help but think you’d be a fool to splash out on a new one when there are so many beautiful vintage options available.

The great thing about buying a vintage Fendi baguette is they came in every colour and material you can imagine, so there’s a version to suit every style. Due to their popularity, they were made on mass, which means they’re not rare. The availability of them is reflected in the price, making this one of the more affordable luxury vintage bags. I wouldn’t advise paying more than £350 for one.

The Baguette is firmly on wish list but in the meantime, I reclaimed this straw Mama bag from my mum’s closet recently. I’m chuffed with it and have been touting it around with me everwhere this summer.

If you’re in the market for a vintage Baguette I’ve found a few good value ones worth considering HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE (I absolutely love this final one).

VINTAGE DIOR

I’ve talked extensively about vintage Dior on the blog already. Catch my post, The 90s are Back, HERE, where I’ve discussed the return of the Saddle bag.

Since writing that post I’ve had a change of heart and really warmed to the new version of the Saddle. It’s probably the only reworked designer bag I would be prepared to buy new. That’s partly because the price of vintage Saddle bags has become ridiculous with asking prices north of £1500 which personally, I don’t think is worth it. I mean just check out the price of this one HERE for example, crazy! If you have between £1000-£1500 to spend, I think you’re better off buying the Saddle Belt Bag for £1050 (check it out HERE in special Ultra black version) or Saddle Clutch for £1350 (see it HERE in the Oblique Print).

However, there are some vintage Dior bags still worth snapping up. Anything in the iconic Oblique/Trotter print (in any colour) is an obvious must. The No.1 and No.2 crossbody bags are worth checking out if you want something with a retro vibe. Alternatively, if you prefer something more classic, a vintage Lady Dior is always a good option.

I’ve looked around for a few great vintage options and this No.1 HERE is great and the best condition I’ve seen to date, I’m actually tempted by it myself! I’m also rather loving this vintage Saddle bag HERE, although quite pricey, and these options in the old Oblique print are also worth checking out HERE, HERE and HERE.

VINTAGE CHANEL

I can’t talk about vintage handbags and not mention Chanel. Chanel and Hermes bags are the best luxury brands when it comes to holding their value. There’s money to be made in Chanel bags and if you get lucky you could end up with an appreciating asset.

By pure fluke I’ve made a significant amount of money on one of my Chanel vintage pieces. I purchased a Chanel backpack almost 4 years ago and since then it has doubled in price. This is part due to the rarity and part down to the current demand for it. However, I didn’t buy it with the intention of making money, I bought it because I loved the style and overall look of it. The fact, it’s increased in value is an added bonus.

Truthfully, I don’t think anyone can advise which Chanel bags to buy. When it comes to Chanel, I believe it should be about infatuation, not simply about trying to make a buck or two. Buy the pieces you’re obsessed with and genuinely love. Please don’t be that person who reduces Chanel to an “investment”. Buy it for the pure unadulterated and excessive pleasure that comes with owning a Chanel bag.

I hope this post has been useful in helping you to decide whether to go vintage or not. Vintage bags are a great option and will nearly always save you a significant amount of money but please make sure you shop smart and don’t get scammed. If you ever have any questions about buying vintage or want a second opinion on a bag, please feel free to email me or message me on any of my social media platforms. I’m always happy to help!