Purchasing a new designer handbag can be quite intimidating, especially if you’ve been saving up for a long time. One thing that I always consider before making a splurge is how well the item retains its value and how much I could potentially resell it for should I ever wish to. And that’s exactly where The RealReal comes in, as the retailer recently compiled a comprehensive 2021 Luxury Resale Report that detailed what’s in demand in the resale market right now.
To no one’s surprise, Hermès made the list not once but twice, but there is also a newcomer that’s gaining some serious momentum lately. Hint: he just won one of the top honors at the CFDA Awards last week. Scroll down to learn about the standouts from The RealReal’s latest report.
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 bags sell for a whopping 167% of their original value, so these ultra-desirable bags top The Real Real’s list of “steady resale value stars” from its latest report.
The RealReal reports that there was a 590% year-over-year increase in demand for Telfar bags. Specifically, the brand’s Small Shopping Bag is the most coveted. For this reason, TRR gave Telfar the title of “emerging brand of the year.” Plus, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the brand just took home a CFDA Award last week.
The RealReal reports that vintage Gucci Jackie bags retain their value better than modern versions of the same style. Vintage Gucci Jackie bags sell for more than 100% of their original value, while modern ones sell for around 50% of their original value.
We couldn’t have a designer bag story without including a Birkin, right? Per The RealReal, this bag sells for 157% of its original value, making it a truly great investment.
Of all the Louis Vuitton bag styles out there, The RealReal’s 2021 report singled out Multi Pochette accessories because they sell for 137% of their original value.
If you’re eyeing a Chanel bag, your best investment is a vintage Chanel flap bag, according to The RealReal’s data. Vintage versions hold their resale value much better than modern ones. Specifically, vintage Chanel flap bags retain approximately 85% of their value, while newer ones only retain about 60% of their value.
Next, the 10 most popular brands at Nordstrom—and exactly what I’d buy from each.