THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING PRE-OWNED LUXURY DESIGNER BAGS

In the world of luxury fashion iconic, timeless designer bags have long been revered not just as a purchase, but as an investment.

While trends come and go, certain pieces maintain their allure and value more than others over time. In this blog, we'll explore the best designer bags to invest in.

TOP 5 DESIGNER HANDBAGS THAT HOLD VALUE OVER TIME:

Classic, iconic luxury brands that have stood the test of time and are universally loved hold their value best. As you embark on your handbag investment journey, return on investment (ROI) is important, but so is choosing brands and styles that most resonate with your personal style so will enjoy using them for years to come.

1. CHANEL

Chanel bags have been synonymous with iconic luxury and sophistication for almost 100 years since the first bag was introduced by Coco Chanel in 1929.

Chanel Bags are known for:

• Use of the finest materials, such as lambskin and caviar leather & gold and silver hardware.
• Their signature Chanel quilting pattern(s).
• Intricate hand-crafted chain and leather straps.
• Exacting standards of high-density per inch hand stitching & other assembly and finishing techniques undertaken by skilled artisans to ensure lasting durability and integrity: Making one bag takes ~15-18+ hours to complete depending on style and complexity.

INSIDER TIP: Chanel bags are always in high-demand and often appreciate over time, making them a solid investment. Look for bags from collections that feature unique hardware or are a limited edition for added value.

2. CHRISTIAN DIOR

Christian Dior bags, first introduced in the late 1940's, are celebrated for their sophisticated elegance, classic high-fashion French style with a modern twist, feminine designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and innovative detailing.

FUN FACT: The Lady Dior bag with the iconic cannage pattern – arguably Dior's most famous bag – was created in 1995 and named in honour of Princess Diana, who was often seen carrying it.

Christian Dior Bags are known for:

• Using luxurious materials like lambskin, calfskin and other exotic leathers, & brass and/or stainless-steel metal hardware coated in a range of luxurious finishes like gold, silver, or palladium to ensure durability and prevent tarnishing over time.
• Being meticulously crafted by highly trained artisans in Italy or France.
• Its iconic Cannage stitching and pattern.
• High-quality construction and impeccable finishing that ensures each piece is not only beautiful but durable: Making one bag takes ~8-12 hours to complete depending on style and complexity.

INSIDER TIP: Dior bags are typically only available through Dior boutiques & select luxury retailers, which adds to their exclusivity. Limited-edition styles especially tend to have high resale value and may even increase in value over time.

3. LOUIS VUITTON

The Louis Vuitton brand, founded in Paris in 1854, is one of the most prestigious, recognized luxury brands in the world today. With a rich history rooted in French craftsmanship and constant innovation, their heritage is present in every design – famous for timeless elegance with a modern appeal.

FUN FACT:Louis Vuitton originally made trunks for ship & train travelers. Today, LV is still largely synonymous with all types of travel, from running errands, to heading to the office, campus, social event or other occasion – as well as for more significant globe-trotting adventures

Louis Vuitton Bags are known for:

• High-quality materials including durable lightweight, water-resistant, sunlight and heat-resistant canvas, and high-quality hardware that is often gold or brass plated.
• Their iconic signature LV monogram – one of the most recognizable symbols in fashion today.
• The famous Damier checkerboard pattern and other floral motifs inspired by Japanese & Asian design.
• Being handmade (not mass-produced) by skilled artisans who pay attention to every detail from cutting to stitching to finishing: Making one bag takes ~8-15+ hours to complete depending on style and complexity.

INSIDER TIP: Louis Vuitton bags are beloved by fashion enthusiasts and collectors around the world. They're widely considered a timeless, solid investment – especially limited edition, vintage, and classic Speedy, Neverfull, and Alma models.

4. GOYARD

Founded in 1853 the Goyard luxury brand is globally recognized for their understated yet functional bags and old-world, traditional craftsmanship.

FUN FACT: Due to their famously discreet branding & minimal marketing, Goyard has cultivated a reputation of mystery and high exclusivity that's attracted a loyal following amongst royalty, celebrities & others who appreciate 'quiet' luxury.

Goyard bags are known for:

• Lightweight yet sturdy water-resistant signature coated canvas, known as Goyardine.
• Recognizable yet subtle monogram that appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury.
• Their distinct chevron dot pattern on many of their bags.
• Exacting hand-assembly and quality standards: Making one bag can take ~15-20+ hours to complete depending on style and complexity.

INSIDER TIP: New Goyard bags are only available at their boutiques & a select few luxury retailers. This limited availability adds to their exclusivity and investment value.

5. HERMÈS

Ever since the first Hermès bags was introduced in 1922, they have become famous worldwide for their clean lines, symmetry, flawless finishing, exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, functional elegance, and exclusivity.

DID YOU KNOW?:The most iconic Hermès bag, the Birkin (introduced in 1984), can’t be purchased ‘off the shelf’. Its extreme exclusivity makes it one of the most exclusive & sought-after bags in the world today. An always savvy investment.

Hermès Bags are known for:

• Designs inspired from equestrian heritage.
• Use of luxurious leathers and hardware in gold, palladium, and even rare finishes like rose gold or brushed metal.
• Their hallmark saddle stitching technique that adds durability and wear resistance over time.
• Being Hand-Crafted by a single artisan to ensure meticulous attention to detail and a high level of quality: Making one bag can take ~18-40 hours (the latter for a Birkin) to complete depending on

INSIDER TIP: Hermès doesn't mass-produce their bags. This limited availability drives allure, demand, and prestige – making them a top investment choice.

TOP TIPS WHEN BUYING PRE-OWNED LUXURY DESIGNER BAGS

Always seek to verify the authenticity and wear condition of the bag:

1. Only Purchase Pre-Owned Luxury Designer Bags From A Reputable Seller That Stands By Their Pre-Owned Products:

At CANARY, our esteemed pre-owned luxury handbag partner, The Designers Closet Canada, has an internal authentication expert with 20 years of successful experience in buying, selling and authenticating brand name bags.

• As an added security measure, CANARY offers Entrupy authentication on all bags. Entrupy is a certified luxury bag authentication service that provides additional peace of mind so you can shop with confidence.

2. Look For Brand Signature & Inspect Other Details, Including:

• Brand-Specific Markings, Serial Number or Date Code: Many luxury brands include a serial number that's unique to each bag. Certain brands have unique identifiers, like Louis Vuitton's date code or the Chanel hologram sticker (for Chanel products manufactured since 1984 that have a specific format depending on the year).
• Logos & Fonts: Inspect the logo, brand name, and fonts used. Counterfeit bags often have subtle errors in font style, spacing, or logo positioning.
• Stitching: Look for even, precise, tight stitches. High-end brands are meticulous about stitching.
• Original Purchase Receipt: But be aware that receipts can be falsified.

3. Condition is Key:

• Asses the bag's condition carefully: Pay careful attention to description details and photographs/videos.
• Minor wear is acceptable and expected: More extensive signs of wear significantly decreases value.

CANARY only ever accepts and offers bags for resale that are in excellent condition.

CARING FOR LUXURY HANDBAGS: TOP 3 TIPS

Proper designer handbag maintenance is the best way to keep it looking it's best for years of enjoyment. It also helps to preserve its value, which is key to successful luxury handbag resale if you ever choose to sell your pre-owned bag.

1. Proper Storage: When not in use, store your bag in a dust bag to help protect it from dirt, light, moisture, and wear and tear. If you purchase a pre-owned bag that didn't come with a dust bag, look for a quality, generic dust bag. 
2. Use Interior Protection Inserts: Using a bag insert ensures your bag's interior is protected from dirt, makeup, and other common stains. They also help to maintain your bag's structural integrity and resale value over time. You can easily find generic inserts for common bag sizes or choose from specific designer bag style inserts at places like BagInBag.ca.
3. Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your luxury designer bag helps maintain its quality, appearance, and value.

BUYING PRE-OWNED DESIGNER HANDBAGS NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE:

For those that love the history and style of designer, vintage and heritage handbags, or to access quality items at less than retail prices, buying pre-owned is an affordable option as well as a sound investment. CANARY offers a wonderful selection of pre-owned luxury designer handbags as well as accessories and brand new and pre-owned fine, fashion and designer jewelry to round out your personal style statement!

If you have any further questions about purchasing or caring for designer bags, please reach out to us and we'd be happy to help! As well, if you're looking to purchase a specific pre-owned designer bag that we don't currently have on our site, we can usually find it for you!