Most luxury brands won’t keep producing most of their bag models forever except for when they are extremely profitable and desirable like the no-need-introduction Hermes Birkin or the classic Chanel double flap chain bag. The goal is to keep their pieces as exclusive as possible, not to mention the FOMO some people might feel about not being able to buy their dream bag brand new from the boutique. For collectors, resellers and brands’ investors that is a blessing, but for a big part of the luxury enthusiastics, not so much.
Hermes Kelly and Birkin Pinterest
The pre-loved luxury business has skyrocketed in the past few years, and the number of websites and small re-sellers on social media shows they are here to stay and break sales records again. In 2022, the second-hand market for luxury goods revenue was estimated to be over 7 billion U.S. dollars worldwide and if it keeps going that way, it is estimated to double in size by 2028. Even though there are a good number of brands trying to implement a more sustainable way of doing business, Hermes was loud and clear saying the brand has no intention of jumping into the secondary market anytime soon. Too bad for the Birkin and Kelly lovers out there.
Is It Really Worth Buying Second-Hand?
There are by far a lot more positives than negatives when we talk about the second-hand market. One good example of how the used luxury industry can help us, it’s the fact you can find discontinued items and collections and give those a new home or find a replacement for your favorite bag that Fendi or Loewe stopped making a few years back.
Rare Chanel pieces - not only bags - hold their value after purchasing. Image: Pinterest
You will be seeing some items reselling for over their original retail price due to their scarcity or simply because a big celebrity was caught using it and unless the item is a collaboration with a famous artist or from a very small capsule collection, you can find amazing deals on second-hand websites, not rarely for one-fifth of the original bought price. Some people might even claim that a certain second-hand bag is fake just because of its price, but when I say you can find prices that are too good to be true on authentic pieces, it’s not a lie. Of course, if you see a Kelly selling for $99, please be suspicious, we’re still talking about luxury so don’t expect a $8000 bag for $20.
The bags listed below will take you back to the early 2000s when we would see Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale wearing all the designer IT bags of the time. With the possibility of finding those pieces secondhand nowadays, the time has come for the teenager inside of us to purchase the bags we wanted - but couldn’t afford back then.
Chanel Cambon Large Tote
Cambon Large Tote on ZenPlus
Discontinued in 2013, the Cambon line is one of the most iconic Chanel collections. It screams Chanel with big CC marks on one side combined with the diamond stitches, making it recognizable from miles away. Chanel has multiple collections you can only purchase from pre-loved platforms and resellers around the globe, some of those collections are almost impossible to get like some of the Chanel 1995 pieces featured in the 2023 Barbie movie.
Margot Robbin at Barbie Movie 2023 with a heart-shaped Chanel from 1995 Spring Collection. Image: Jaap Buitendijk
Due to the Y2K style influencers the Cambon totes are back on people’s wish list. If you’re not a big fan of Chanel’s flap bags you should definitely check out this one. It comes in two sizes and you can pick the one that fits your needs better, the large one can easily fit a laptop, or multiple books and if you’re a busy mom, toys and diapers are also welcome in it.
Louis Vuitton Totally Tote
Totally MM Size, perfect everyday bag
Louis Vuitton had many different tote bags discontinued in the past years and unfortunately, the Totally was one of them. Different from LV’s most popular tote - the Neverfull, released in 2007 - the Totally has a zipper closure at the top, a small detail people need in their life to make sure nothing gets taken away, and the plus of offering outside pockets and wider shoulder straps, giving more confidence when you’re carrying the world in it.
As well as most LV classic models, the Totally comes in 3 different sizes (PM, MM, GM) and you can choose from the classic Monogram, Damier Ebene or Azur. This is definitely a bag to consider if you’re looking for a new everyday bag or an office bag since the GM size would comfortably fit a small laptop and A4 size files.
Fendi 2jours Bag
Olivia Palermo wearing her Fendi 2jours Bag
Before Fendi released the Peekaboo bag, the 2jours would be the one you would be seeing celebrities wearing on the street, Sarah Jessica Parker, Resee Witherspoon, and Sofia Vergara, just to name a few. With a wide range of color options and different sizes for you to choose from.
The reason why the 2jours is extremely versatile is that you can turn it into a crossbody, the division inside the main pocket keeps everything in place and the bag itself is also very sturdy, no need to worry about getting an insert to keep its shape. Personally, I just love how the 2jours can give a chic look to a simple outfit.
Celine Trapeze Bag
All beige Trapeze Bag Pinterest
This is a personal choice, because after I started working with pre-loved luxury bags and saw the Celine Trapeze model the first time I instantly got obsessed with it, and now it’s one of my favorite bags. Its minimalist - yet versatile - design is just perfect for any occasion and having the option to add a longer strap just makes it a thousand times better. It also has a zippy pocket outside you don’t have to worry about opening and closing the main pocket just to get your phone or wallet.
If you’re a working woman and need a functional - also chic - bag to carry with you, this is probably the next purse you need to get in your collection. This is also the perfect choice for the day you have a date right after work but no time to change, don’t worry about looking messy, this is an instant chic condiment to your work outfit.
Balenciaga City Bag
Nicolle Richie and Her Balenciaga City Bag
I know Balenciaga still makes their most popular bag of all time but the modern design is not the same and for some people - like me - the original shape released in 2001 is the one and only.
The pros of getting a vintage pre-loved one definitely surpass the cons, first of all, you can choose from so many different colors and collections, and the prices for one in pristine condition are insanely good - not joking - compared to the current retail price of $3000 (!).
The cons are the store experience, maybe? To be completely honest, if you really want to go to the store just for the customer experience, use the money you’re saving by buying a second-hand City bag and buy yourself a pair of shoes or a wallet to go with it. Even by doing that you’re still saving money (wink).
Do you have a bag you love and got discontinued? ZenPlus might have the exact same one if you’re looking for a replacement. Check out our second-hand luxury section and start looking for it today!
About the Writer
Amanda Ayabe is a fashion graduate based in Osaka, passionate about the luxury industry and hand crafted goods. She worked for 3 years as a live seller and buyer, sharing her knowledge and passion for designer bags to customers in various locations around the globe. Loves specialty coffee, long talks, traveling and photography.
