Copyright hellomagazine
The designer bag market is a huge business that's ever-changing. As a fashion editor who has had a long-standing love affair with designer bags since around the age of 16, I've watched the handbag sector truly evolve. Once upon a time, high-end fashion houses made bags that were, of course, expensive, but somewhat affordable; you could save up and 'bag' yourself a decent piece of arm candy over time. Fast forward to 2025, and a brand new designer bag will set you back far more than ever before, and some styles are quite simply out of reach for most. However, due to the economic issue of inflation, shoppers just don't have excess surplus to spend frivolously on just one bag as much these days. Also, the worldwide sustainability movement is now in place; we are more aware than ever of the sometimes wasteful nature of the fashion industry. It's now far better for the environment (and for our bank balances) to opt for a more capsule wardrobe, full of timeless pieces that can be passed down, and also resold once they are no longer desired. This is where the preloved market has really picked up. Vintage is now super cool, current, and fabulous. Thrift stores, pre-loved sites, and charity shops were once looked down upon, but now they are places that you can find true original items that are not only unique but have a magical story attached to them. In fact, some vintage bags are actually more sought after than a fresh newbie that you can pick straight off the shelf - there's an exclusivity in finding an original. It's authentic. Yes, buying a new bag is exciting, but as someone who writes about fashion for a living, there is something just so thrilling about trying to buy an original bag from years ago that you just know no one else will have. "There has never been a better time to invest in luxury handbags," Charlotte Staerck, CEO and Co-Founder of The Handbag Clinic, tells HELLO!. "They are thriving because they are considered a safer investment than stocks and shares. Because of their often-appreciating value, luxury handbags are one of the most sought-after items to buy and sell on the pre-owned market."
