An investment piece is twofold. It can either be a bag that should last you a lifetime, or a bag that you invest in and plan to resell for a larger profit.
Let’s consider the former. Fashion trends are always in flux, you could invest in the chicest item, and then within a few months, it’s simply rendered to last season.
No longer the hottest bag of the moment, and with a poorer resell value. While the bag might be gorgeous, everyone has moved on to the next hottest thing.
Look, unless you’re a celebrity, or majorly working within the fashion industry, it does not matter if you’re wearing last season. Fast fashion is slowly getting outdated, which means it’s cool to reuse pieces.
This means you’re not going to get an ‘L’ drawn on your forehead for wearing last season’s bestseller. With that said, some pieces might be hot for a moment and then rendered tasteless.
So while reusing the item isn’t lame, the item itself gets a massive ‘L’ drawn all over it.
What really matters, though, is how you feel about a bag, regardless of what’s hot, or not.
Usually, we consider 1) how much joy does it bring, 2) how beautiful do you find it, 3) what’s the average longevity, 4) what’s the quality, and 5), the history of the item.
So, when you’re purchasing an investment purse, you’re going to want to think about those boxes, to discern how you really feel about it. You’re looking for a bag that makes you happy, which is also chic.
You’re looking for a long-lasting icon, a designer bag that will always make heads turn, to see you through the changing seasons.
Now, while some use investment bags for their beauty and longevity, some use investment pieces for financial profit. So, fashion is circular, while trends come and go, they almost always come right back around again.
If you can predict when trends will be hot, and not, you can get designer pieces for a lower than average price, and then resell them for major profit when they’re in the limelight. This takes a lot of skill and research, and either way is still going to cost you a pretty penny.
So, if you’re looking for a glamorous bag that’s going to remain iconic and chic, look no further, because we’re researched the best investment bags that will last you a heck of a long time.
With that said, let’s check out the designer bags that are luxurious, classic, and here to stay.
The Best Investment Bags
Let’s take a look at the best investment bags, that will stay forever chic, and have a likelihood of a great resell value.
We’re obviously going to start with the Chanel 2.55.
Sorry, not sorry — this is one of the ultimate investment pieces. It’s classic, it’s iconic, and it’s not going anywhere.
If you’re not familiar with this lavish bag, it was created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955. It has a rectangular shape, along with a rectangular ‘Mademoiselle’ clasp. The strap is all metal, adding to its notable look.
It’s been worn by millions of lavish people around the world, all amazed at the beauty of this wonderful bag. It’s also incredibly long-lasting.
The standard model is made from distressed calfskin. While it’s a bag the vegans will have to avoid, the material makes it very long-lasting.
Okay, we’re putting these right next to each other to avoid any confusion. These bags look very alike, but they are different.
The Chanel 11.12 was created in 1982 and is also known as Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag.
It’s a mixture of elegance, and practicality — you can fit more than your phone and purse in this bag, although it is still on the smaller side. It adds instant elegance to any look and is recognizable by many.
So, this luxurious bag is characterized by its iconic diamond quilting, gold chain, double flap, and CC splash.
The key difference between the Channel 11.12 and Chanel 2.55 is in the detail of the clasp and strap.
The Chanel 11.12 has a chain strap that is interwoven with leather, but the Chanel 2.55 is an all-metal strap. Also, the Chanel 2.55 has a Mademoiselle clasp, opposed to the CC’s clasp of Chanel 11.12.
As of 2021, the popularity of the Chanel 11.12 has resurged. Due to this, Chanel has heavily increased the price of the item.
This is an example of purchasing an investment bag, and then reselling for profit.
The Chanel 11:12 currently has a high resale value but depending on when you read this article, it could have increased further, or decreased.
That’s the nature of an investment bag, while its beauty will last a lifetime, you need to strike at the right moment if you’re looking to resell the bag for big bucks.
So, the Prada Cleo is a newcomer to the investment bag game.
Prada Cleo debuted in Prada’s ‘Multiple Views’ SS21 show, and of course featured in the Spring/Summer 2021 collection. While it may be a newcomer, we feel that the Prada Cleo is here to stay.
What’s eye-catching about this bag, is that immediately, you can see how the Prada Cleo was influenced by Prada’s 1990s styles. It’s taken the inspiration from the 1990s, and put a modern twist on it.
If you’re not familiar with the bag, Prada Cleo is a compact shoulder bag, with a fuller shape than traditional Prada bags, and has the Prada triangle logo emblazoned in the top center of the bag.
You can either purchase it within a flap-opening style, or top-opening, both of which look chic. Color-wise, you can purchase it in timeless either black or white, or opt for current iconic favorites, aqua or blush pink.
The iconic Lady Dior was created in 1994. Christian Dior has intended on this bag becoming a classic, and they surely succeeded, with The Lady Dior being one of the most popular investment bags to date.
Part of the success of The Lady Dior bag was due to none other than Princess Diana. Princess Diana, otherwise known as Lady Diana Spencer, adored the bag so much, that they renamed the bag after her.
It was originally called the ‘chouchou’, but as a tribute to the wonderful princess, it was renamed The Lady Dior.
Now, the older models of this classic bag is made out of patent, or lambskin leather, and is still widely popular. This model currently has a resale value of 50%.
However, due to the vast popularity of The Lady Dior you can purchase newer models. The D-Lite Lady Dior is considered to be the premium model.
While it is similar to the original, the design has been updated to give a contemporary look. It has an outstanding resale value of 70-80%, reflecting the popularity of this gorgeous bag.
Whether you prefer the original Lady Dior Bag, or are interested in The D-Lite Lady Dior bag, you will be holding a classic bag that is beyond delectable. Plus, it’s fit for a princess.
Now we’re looking at a bag that’s been around for over 15 years. While it’s been around for an established amount of time, this outstanding bag gained massive popularity in 2021.
It’s also known as the ‘Brooklyn Birkin’, due to its cool-chic vibe. It comes in a range of styles and sizes, but the color that broke the internet was the black Telfar Shopping Bag.
Compared to other styles, The Telfar Shopping Bag is affordable, making investment bags open to a wider audience.
We see this bag becoming a classic staple, due to its practical use, but luxurious appearance. It’s sleek, comfortable and stylish — The Telfar Shopping Bag isn’t going anywhere.
The Fendi Baguette Bag has been labeled the ‘It’ bag since 1997, for over 23 years this bag has proven its popularity, and we don’t see this queen bee disappearing any time soon.
If you’re looking for an investment bag, the Fendi Baguette Bag is one of the safest bets. Praised for its brilliant craftsmanship, and gorgeous design, it’s one of the most popular designer bags in the world.
When it comes to colors and styles, you have a wide selection of choices. Whether you’re looking for the staple brown, or iconic blue, this bag is sure to turn heads.
If you’re looking to invest in the Fendi Baguette Bag, consider whether you want a vintage piece or a modern version. Experts recommend a vintage Fendi Baguette Bag, due to its whimsical nature and rich history.
If you play your cards right, these guys will likely have an excellent resale value in the coming years. Generally, you can buy a vintage Fendi Baguette Bag for around $600-800 dollars.
If you’re looking for a modern Fendi Baguette Bag, you’re looking at a couple a thousand at the minimum. However, the bag will be in greater condition and have an updated, modern design, so the choice is yours.
Either way, Fendi’s Baguette Bag is considered permanently hot.
You can’t talk about investment bags without mentioning Hermès.
Hermès’ ‘Kelly’ Bag is a classic piece and would be a key staple for an investment bag. It was created in the 1930s, and is still deemed as one of the most iconic designers bags.
Just as Christian Dior’s Lady Dior Bag was renamed after the wonderful Princess Diana, the Hermès’ ‘Kelly’ Bag was also named after an icon. Although not a princess, The Hermès’ ‘Kelly’ Bag was named after Grace Kelly.
Originally the bag was named the sac à dépêches, but it was renamed ‘Kelly’ to pay homage to none other than Grace Kelly herself. Ms Kelly was a lifelong fan of the style and iconically used the bag to shield her first pregnancy from the press.
This is perhaps the queen of the investment bags. It is incredibly difficult to get purchase one of these bags.
They’re a rarity and scarcity, that’s always in demand, which makes the resale value of the Kelly Bag stratospheric. Generally, we see the resale value of the Kelly Bag being priced between 100-200% of its original value.
If you’re really looking for exclusivity, then you’re going to want to invest in the Hermès Mini-Kelly, also known as Kelly 20.
It’s a tiny bag, and almost impossible to purchase. If you’re lucky enough to purchase one in-store, you’re looking between $5-6,000.
If you plan on reselling the Mini-Kelly, the resale value has been a whopping £20,000. Not only that, but the exclusive crocodile version of the Mini-Kelly has a resale value of $40,000.
This makes the Kelly Bag one of the most exclusive designer bags, with the status of being able to find one in the first place, and the exceptional resell value.
The Hermès’ Kelly Bag is an exclusive and luxury investment piece. Whether you plan on keeping this darling bag for yourself, if you’re investing for the big bucks, it’s an iconic bag that many dreams of owning.
While Dior’s Saddle Bag has become increasingly popular in recent years, this lavish bag was actually introduced to the world in 1999.
It featured in Dior’s spring 2000 ready-to-wear collection and has remained one of the most iconic bags Dior has made.
The Dior Saddle Bag has an iconic history. It featured in Sex and the City, where Carrie Bradshaw carried the bag, hiding a single cigarette in the compartment.
It’s also been featured on Simple Life, where the world saw fashion queens Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie flaunt the bag.
Of course, some might remember Dior’s Saddle Bag from The O.C, where Mischa Barton iconically was paired with the bag.
The most notable aspect of Dior’s Saddle Bag is the shape. It’s an iconic ‘It’ bag, which hasn’t gone out of fashion. Given in the last few years it’s been the return of the Y2K, Dior’s Saddle Bag has become increasingly popular.
The Saddle Bag featured in Dior’s 2018 runway, and the world has been ever more obsessed with the bag since.
The Saddle Bag is an excellent investment piece. While Y2K fashion will always sway from being in and out, Dior’s Saddle Bag has made its own name for itself, and the chic status of this bag is here to stay.
While Dior’s Saddle Bag has become increasingly popular in recent years, this lavish bag was actually introduced to the world in 1999.
It featured in Dior’s spring 2000 ready-to-wear collection and has remained one of the most iconic bags Dior has made.
The Dior Saddle Bag has an iconic history. It featured in Sex and the City, where Carrie Bradshaw carried the bag, hiding a single cigarette in the compartment.
It’s also been featured on Simple Life, where the world saw fashion queens Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie flaunt the bag.
Of course, some might remember Dior’s Saddle Bag from The O.C, where Mischa Barton iconically was paired with the bag.
The most notable aspect of Dior’s Saddle Bag is the shape. It’s an iconic ‘It’ bag, which hasn’t gone out of fashion. Given in the last few years it’s been the return of the Y2K, Dior’s Saddle Bag has become increasingly popular.
The Saddle Bag featured in Dior’s 2018 runway, and the world has been ever more obsessed with the bag since.
The Saddle Bag is an excellent investment piece. While Y2K fashion will always sway from being in and out, Dior’s Saddle Bag has made its own name for itself, and the chic status of this bag is here to stay.
While the Gucci Jackie was first introduced in the 1950s, it was Jackie Kennedy who popularized this beautiful bag.
Originally, Gucci Jackie 1961 was called the Fifties Constance. However, when the former first lady Jackie Kennedy famously shield herself with from the press in the 1970s, the bag was renamed after her.
That’s because the bag came to reflect Jackie Kennedy herself — chic and luxurious. As the bag became synonymous with Jackie Kennedy, Gucci decided to rename it after her, in an homage to the former first lady.
Since then, Gucci Jackie 1961 has featured in innumerable runaways, fashion shoots, and has been reinterpreted in dozens of styles.
While Gucci Jackie 1961 was brought back onto the runaway in both 1999 and 2009, one of the most iconic moments this bag brought to the world was the 2014 campaign, starring Kate Moss.
With homage to the bag’s past, Moss was photographed using the bag as a shield. It was an iconic shoot, proving that this bag, and the chic status it brings, is not going anywhere.
In fact, Gucci’s Fall/Winter collection featured Gucci Jackie 1961. It was a contemporary twist on the original and is available in small, medium, and mini iterations.
If you’re looking for an investment bag, the Gucci Jackie 1961 is one of the chicest money can buy.
While Chloe’s Faye Bag first appeared in Chloe’s spring/summer collection, it’s inspired by the iconic style of the 1970s.
Along with its 70s flair, the sharp clean lines of Chloe’s Faye Bag, and the distinct hardware quickly made this bag one of Chloe’s most popular selections.
You can purchase Chloe’s Faye Bag in two sizes, small and medium. The former bag is a rectangle shape and features a long shoulder strap. The latter has a trapezoid shape and an adjustable strap.
Both bags feature a magnetic closure, and the strap can detach, making it work as an efficient clutch.
Both small and medium versions are popular, but the medium generally does seem to obtain more sales, due to the larger volume. Chloe’s Faye Bag can be purchased in all leather, patent leather, crocodile print leather, and suede.
It’s a fantastic bag, and very easily recognizable, making it the perfect investment bag.
Of course, you cannot talk about investment bags, without mentioning Stella McCartney.
Stella McCartney’s Falabella was introduced in the winter of 2010, and since then, has become of Stella McCartney’s iconic bags.
Stella McCartney Falabella is made of vegan leather and was a game-changer in proving that designer bags do not need to be made with animal materials, to be absolutely beautiful, and long-lasting.
If you’re interested in green fashion, the Falabella could be the perfect investment bag for you. It’s combined a sense of luxury, with social awareness, highlighting that fashion and sustainability can work together.
The Falabella is very easily recognizable because the design is so distinct.
The strap is an intertwined chain, that continues down the outer perimeter of the bag, which highlights its gorgeous shape. It’s a mixture of simplicity and chic, where the small details do the bold talking.
If you want to talk about popularity, Stella McCartney’s Falabella is a constant in the collection lines.
Each year, the Falabella bag is reinterpreted, producing dozens of breathtaking variations of this bag. We’ve seen everything from raffia to crochet embroidery, forever being supposed by the next unique version.
Stella McCartney is the pioneer of using non-animal materials. The Falabella bag can be bought in eco-leather, faux nappa, faux pony, and faux shearling. Each bag is made of the highest quality and is incredibly long-lasting.
Generally, Stella McCartney’s Falabella retails between $690 and $740, and has a very modest resale value, depending on the version.
If you’re looking for an investment bag to make a profit, we predict that as the years ago by, the Falabella could be one of the most exclusive bags.
As the world continues to go green, no one will forget the iconic that pushed through, making eco-fashion the chicest fashion.
A few of you probably wondered when Louis Vuitton was going to be featured on this list, as it’s not an investment bag article if it doesn’t mention this masterful French fashion house.
So, Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic Vuitton satchel bag. It was first introduced in the 1930s. Designed as a luggage bag, part of the popularity of the bag is due to its iconic design.
The most known version of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy is the monogram canvas, making it one of Vuitton’s bestsellers. If monogram isn’t your thing, you can also purchase the chic bag in a checkerboard print, in various colors.
The bag is also incredibly popular due to its longevity. Many have claimed their Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is virtually indestructible, making it an investment bag that is worth your money.
It’s an iconic bag, often linked to Audrey Hepburn, who fell in love with the bag so much, she asked for a customized version, known as the Speedy 25.
It’s no surprise that this bag has remained timeless, between its iconic design and indestructible nature, it’s the perfect investment bag.
If you’re looking to make a profit, Louis Vuitton Speedy is one of the few bags that will almost certainly retain its value over time.
The popularity of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag is never-ending, with more and more people every day who want to get their hands on this bag.
Summary
That brings us to the end of my article on the best investment bags for 2022, that will last you a long time.
Whether you plan on starting an investment bag collection or adding another to the mix, you’re sure to find inspiration from this article.
Or, if you’re interested in the resale game, these designer bags are sure to provide a pretty penny. Either way, these are a selection of luxurious designer bags that are timeless and chic.
My name is Maya Garcia, and I have always had a passion for fashion and an interest in the beauty industry. This enjoyment and love for clothes led me to my current role, as a fashion expert and personal stylist.
I love helping people discover the best clothing items to suit their body shape, and transforming the way in which they see fashion and clothing. It can make such a good impact on a person’s confidence and happiness when they are happy and comfortable with what they are wearing.
