Author: Leigh Lepore

March 28, 2023

Chanel handbags are some of the most coveted fashion accessories in the world. Known for their timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and luxury materials, Chanel bags are a symbol of high-end fashion and sophistication.

However, with their popularity comes the risk of counterfeiting, which led Chanel to implement a unique serial number system to ensure the authenticity of their products. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the world of Chanel handbag serial numbers, including what they mean, how to use them to date your handbag, and what clues they can give us about Chanel handbag authentication.

Whether you’re a seasoned Chanel collector or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with a valuable and accessible guide to the world of Chanel handbags and give you an easy way to date your handbag collection at home.

A note about authentication before we begin:

While it’s always important to ensure the authenticity of a luxury handbag purchase, it’s also crucial to be cautious about the risks and pitfalls of authentication.

The market for counterfeit luxury goods has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, and some counterfeiters can create near-perfect replicas that are difficult to distinguish from genuine products until they begin to break down with use. Additionally, some authentication services may not have the necessary expertise to detect counterfeit items accurately. Therefore, it’s essential to do thorough research before selecting an authentication service and to be aware that even reputable authentication services can occasionally make mistakes.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that while Chanel serial numbers can hint toward whether an item is an authentic article, it is not a guarantee. As mentioned before, counterfeiters are continually improving their techniques and can get this aspect uncannily similar to the real deal. This is why we take a holistic approach to authentication at OpenLuxury, and don’t simply rely on this one variable alone.

What is a Chanel serial number?

Unlike most luxury brands, Chanel uses a serial number system to help identify their product for after-sales servicing. Each item gets its own unique serial number, so no two items can have the same serial number. Also unlike other brands that use factory, date, and craftsman codes, Chanel’s numbering system in itself doesn’t have much intelligible information. However, you can get a very accurate approximation of the date of manufacture using our guide outlined below, compiled from our many years of providing Chanel authentications.

Interpreting a Chanel serial number

Chanel serial numbers are referred to by their “series”, and started out with what is referred to as “zero series”. At first they were done without a leading zero, but one was added shortly thereafter. After the initial series without the first zero, Chanel used seven digits. Eventually the numbers increased to eight digits once the need for them required going beyond ten million.

In 2021 Chanel began to slowly implement an engraved metal plate with embedded NFC microchip technology, and no longer includes serial number stickers inside their products. The engraving is a set of numbers and letters unique to that item, but they don’t have a decodable system to them that we can interpret.

Using the serial number to date a bag

Chart Key: X = A variable number

Verifying a Chanel serial number

It should be noted that Chanel bags older than 1986 may not have a serial number, and that some counterfeit bags may have fake or incorrect serial numbers and stickers. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Chanel item, it is best to have it authenticated by a professional, which you can do right here on OpenLuxury.

Where to find the serial number

Depending on the model of handbag or accessory, as well as the time period it was created in, the sticker can be found in a number of different locations.

Here are a few places to check, to help you locate the serial number on a Chanel handbag:

1. Look inside the bag. Most Chanel bags have the serial number sticker on the inside of the bag, either on the interior lining, in a pocket, or on a small leather tab sewn into the interior side seam.
2. Check the authenticity card. Some Chanel bags come with an authenticity card that includes the serial number, so check the card for the number.

If you are still having trouble locating it, use online listings as a reference. Once you know the model name of your bag, a quick search for it on reputable websites’ listings will usually turn up an image of the bag’s code, which will help show you where it might be on yours!

A final note on Chanel serial numbers

Chanel serial numbers are an important feature that allows buyers to gain insight into the production history of their bag. These serial numbers typically contain a series of numbers that reveal when the bag was produced. By understanding how to locate and interpret the serial number, buyers can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and craftsmanship behind their Chanel bag.

It is important to note that while the serial numbers can provide useful information, they should not be the only factor used to authenticate a Chanel bag. Other factors such as the materials used, craftsmanship, hardware, branding, etc. should also be taken into consideration. It’s impossible to accurately authenticate Chanel bags without many years of intimate experience with the brand and its products across many eras to get the full picture.

That’s where we come in! If you’re looking for assurance that your Chanel accessory is the real thing, order an authentication today and give yourself that peace of mind.

Feb 27, 2023

Louis Vuitton is a well-known luxury brand synonymous with high fashion and sophisticated travel for over a century. The brand has a rich history, and its products are considered some of the most recognizable and covetable in the world.

One unique aspect of Louis Vuitton handbags is the presence of date codes, which are a series of letters and numbers stamped inside to indicate when and where it was manufactured. These date codes can provide valuable information about the item’s origin and history, as well as offer a clue about the item’s authenticity.

Let’s dive deeper into Louis Vuitton date codes, and explore their meaning, significance, and how to translate them.

A note about authentication before we begin:

While it’s always important to ensure the authenticity of a luxury handbag purchase, it’s also crucial to be cautious about the risks and pitfalls of authentication.

The market for counterfeit luxury goods has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, and some counterfeiters can create near-perfect replicas that are difficult to distinguish from genuine products until they begin to break down with use. Additionally, some authentication services may not have the necessary expertise to detect counterfeit items accurately. Therefore, it’s essential to do thorough research before selecting an authentication service and to be aware that even reputable authentication services can occasionally make mistakes.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that while Louis Vuitton date codes can hint toward whether an item is an authentic article, it is not a guarantee. As mentioned before, counterfeiters are continually improving their techniques and can get this aspect uncannily similar to the real deal. This is why we take a holistic approach to authentication at OpenLuxury, and don’t simply rely on this one variable alone.

Country codes

The first part of a Louis Vuitton date code is typically a combination of two or three letters that indicates the factory of origin for that item. Typically they are grouped by nation, since that will correspond to the “made in”, or country of manufacture depicted on the logo label.

One notable example that is relatively common is “SD”, which indicates that the item in question was created in the San Dimas, California atelier at a given date. They are not always abbreviations of a particular city however, as each code is created by the brand and is only used as an indicator of the factory of origin. An example of this is perfectly illustrated with the country code “TX”, which indicates that the item was manufactured at Louis Vuitton’s atelier in Alvarado, Texas.

Louis Vuitton country code guide

This table shows a cumulative list of Louis Vuitton country codes and their associated ateliers. There are two notable codes that have special meanings:

• AAS – this country code is used exclusively for special order items
• DK – this country code is used exclusively for relined items

You’ll also notice that a few of these codes are applicable to multiple countries. This could be because the country codes can shift as Louis Vuitton opens, closes, or moves their ateliers. Louis Vuitton continues to change the factories (and thus the codes), so there are always new ones being added and taken out of use.

Reading the date codes

Pre-1982

Before the early 1980’s (until around 1982), Louis Vuitton did not use a brand code system, so bags manufactured prior to this date won’t include any date or country codes inside.

1982-1989

Chart Key: C = Country code, M = Month, Y = Year

Starting in 1982, Louis Vuitton began to date their handbags and accessories. This included three or four numbers on their own. Toward the middle of the decade, Louis Vuitton added the country code, two letters near the date code to indicate more clearly the factory of origin for a given handbag.

There was great variation in format during this time, as each atelier was left to their own discretion about the font and format of the codes they stamped into their handbags.

1990-2006

Chart Key: C = Country code, M = Month, Y = Year

By the 1990’s, Louis Vuitton decided to finally standardize their date code system across all of their ateliers. They implemented a more straightforward format, including the country code at the front, followed by the numbers indicating the month and year of manufacture.

2007-2021

Chart Key: C = Country code, W = Week, Y = Year

Louis Vuitton switched up their date code system yet again in 2007, this time due to increasing global demand for their handbags and small leather goods. They simply swapped out the month numbers for numbers that indicate the week of manufacture, that way they could get more specific information about the item as well as more easily differentiate it from others of a similar time period. This system was used until March 1st, 2021. After that date, Louis Vuitton stopped using stamped codes and switched to an NFC-scannable microchip system.

Last thing to say on date codes

It should be noted that Louis Vuitton bags older than 1980 may not have a date code, and that some counterfeit bags may have fake or incorrect date codes. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton item, it is best to have it authenticated by a professional, which you can do right here on OpenLuxury.

Where to find the date codes

Depending on the model of handbag or accessory, as well as the time period it was created in, the date code can be found in a number of different locations:

Here are a few places to check, to help you locate the date code on a Louis Vuitton handbag:

1. Look at the lining of the bag. Sometimes they can be behind folds and interior components.
2. Check the pockets. Most Louis Vuitton handbags have at least one interior pocket. Check the interior of each pocket for the date code, especially on the right or left side of the pocket, near the seams.
3. Look for a leather tag. Some Louis Vuitton bags have a leather tag attached to the interior lining, which may contain the date code. This can be behind other interior elements, like interior pockets (ex. Neverfull bags).
4. Check for a heat stamp. Some Louis Vuitton handbags may have a heat stamp pressed directly onto the interior lining, so check the lining carefully. You can even turn the lining out to make it easier to search.

If you are still having trouble locating the date code, use online listings as a reference. Once you know the model name of your bag, a quick search for it on reputable websites’ listings will usually turn up an image of the bag’s code, which will help show you where it might be on yours!

A final note on Louis Vuitton date codes

Louis Vuitton date codes are one crucial aspect to Louis Vuitton handbags and accessories. These codes provide valuable information about the time and place of the bags production, as well as hint at its authenticity. It is important to note that while the date codes can provide useful information, they should not be the only factor used to authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag. Other factors such as the materials used, craftsmanship, hardware, branding, etc. should also be taken into consideration. It’s impossible to accurately authenticate Louis Vuitton bags without many years of intimate experience with the brand and its products across many eras to get the full picture.

That’s where we come in! If you’re looking for assurance that your Louis Vuitton accessory is the real thing, order an authentication today and give yourself that peace of mind.

Jan 24, 2023

With 2023 well underway, now is the time to step back and evaluate our closets. If you’re particularly savvy, you might even do a little planning ahead for upcoming seasons. That means you should start looking to resell one of your preloved handbags or find that new (to you!) bag you’ve had your eye on for some time.

A new year also gives us the opportunity to consider new ways to sell and find designer handbags, and ensure our bags are real with an expert handbag authentication service. Why not make it easier than ever to take advantage of the entire luxury resale market?

Whether you’re looking to Sell, Find, or Authenticate this year, we’ve got you covered with each of our expert luxury resale services, because this is what OpenLuxury is all about.

Sell

Coming soon in 2023, our flagship service is perfect for finding the best place to sell your designer handbag and get the best quote for the highest amount possible. This first-of-its-kind service, Sell, helps you save time, effort and money when looking to sell your luxury handbags on the luxury resale market.

How it works

We can fetch multiple quotes for you as long as your item was made by one of the designers on our brand list. These are the designers and luxury brands that our buying partners will accept for resale. Just follow along with the form to submit the requested information and photos to us and we can get the process started!

Once submitted, we’ll review your photos and connect with our partners. Our partners are trusted and reputable private dealers, auction houses, and resale companies that are looking to provide quotes and purchase your items.

There are many different types of resale companies and ways to sell designer handbags, whether it’s on consignment, at auction, or outright through private sale. We make your options easy to understand, and can answer any questions you may have along the way. It’s like having a knowledgeable agent on call to guide you through your options!

Once we hear back from our partners (our standard response time is 3 business days), we’ll compile the quotes in an easy to understand format and send them over to you for selection. When you have the quotes in front of you, you’ll know the best option for selling your luxury handbags and accessories and be clear on exactly what it will entail.

The price of transparency

Sell is the most efficient way to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your luxury handbags. We’ve all been there, settling for a lower price because it happened to be the only offer on the table.

For just $50, you can ensure you get 3 or more quotes from resale companies large and small without having to move a muscle.

Coming soon in 2023

Sell is currently under construction and will be officially released later this year. Sign up for our newsletter (enter your email in the box in our website footer) to stay in-the-loop about the launch of Sell and much, much more!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to keep up to date on all things Sell and OpenLuxury.

Find

Have you ever been looking for a designer handbag, but you can’t seem to find the right style, at the right price, and in the right condition? Find is the service that solves this problem, but not just for those who can afford a bag concierge service or personal shopper.

Available now, Find aims to make searching for your next bag easy and safe.

How it works

You could be looking for something as simple as Louis Vuitton Neverfulls, as trendy as the Dior Saddle bag, or even rare designer handbags that you can’t just walk into a store and buy; it doesn’t matter!

All you have to do is fill out our form, and let us know a little bit more about what you are looking for in the bag of your dreams. Once we receive your information, we’ll start searching our network of vetted resellers and resale companies to find options based on your criteria.

Once we find them, we’ll deliver the options to you on a silver platter (digitally), and answer any questions you might have. Personal shopping for the resale market!

The price of accessibility

Our goal with our Find service is to democratize luxury concierge services. For just $50, we can source any bag you could dream up within 3 business days! In the event that we are unable to source for you, we’ll issue a full refund of our fee.

That’s it! We’ll connect you with the item or listing, and you’ve bagged your bag!

Bulk sourcing and more

With Find, we also offer bulk sourcing options if you need to purchase luxury bags at higher volumes. We’ve worked with all kinds of resale company structures and buying needs in the past and can tailor our service offering to you.

Contact us to find designer handbags, and learn more about bulk sourcing for you or your business.

Authenticate

Authenticity is at the center of the luxury resale industry. Over a decade of luxury authentication service experience at large resale companies and exclusive auction houses will teach that to you.

The luxury resale community needs online authentication services they can rely on (and trust) to deliver a high standard of excellence and expertise. Whether you’re buying, selling, collecting or trading, Authenticate can be of service to you!

How it works

It’s quick and easy to submit your designer bags and accessories for luxury authentication. To get started, fill out our form to submit the information and images required for our experts to authenticate your luxury bag.

Our standard response time is 24 hours so you’ll hear back from us within a day, and we have expedited response times for an additional fee if you need a quicker answer.

When you are filling out your order, you’ll see some additional services we offer as well as a straightforward luxury authentication.

If you need proof that your item is a genuine (or counterfeit) designer bag, add on a certificate of authenticity or written statement of inauthenticity. Certificates of authenticity boost confidence in your items, and give you piece of mind that you have the real thing.

Need to know what your item even is? We can issue an ID Report with details such as the official brand, model name, size, material(s), age (exact or approximate), and color name(s).

Want to find out how much your luxury handbag is worth? Add on a Valuation, and receive an approximate resale value for your “investment”.

Whatever your needs, our Authenticate service offers the highest standard in online authentication services. You no longer need to search around for where to authenticate bags, you have a handbag authentication service right in the palm of your hand!

The price of authenticity

A Standard Authentication from OpenLuxury is $30 for a 24 hour response time. To expedite this to half the time, select the +$15 “12 hour authenticity turnaround” add-on option at checkout.

We never upcharge for Hermès authentication services! No matter if it’s made of leather, lizard, ostrich, or crocodile, all of our authentications start at just $30. We take our mission to make luxury handbag resale transparent, easy, and safe seriously.

For a certificate of authenticity or written statement of inauthenticity, select the +$10 add-on “Documentation” option and we will have an official, digital (with QR code verification) OpenLuxury certificate of authenticity sent to your email address.

To get an ID Report and find out all about your luxury bags, it’s just an additional +$10 fee.

And to get a Valuation, just add on that option at checkout for the +$10 fee.

Once you’ve selected your services, response time, and add-ons, we’ll get right to work on authenticating your designer bags.

We work with everyone

Have a larger collection or revolving inventory of luxury handbags and designer accessories? We work with everyone, from small resellers to large resale companies!

We can tailor a specific package to fit your businesses’ financial and operational needs, like 1 hour response times and bulk discounts. Contact us today to find out more about custom pricing plans and how it works.

Rethink how you do luxury resale

Let’s leave 2022’s mistakes in the rearview mirror and use us for your luxury resale needs. We’ve all been there, trying to navigate online luxury resale stores and brick-and-mortar consignment shops looking to buy or sell our authentic luxury handbags and accessories, only to be stuck with a fake or ripped off on condition or price.

The bottom line is:

If you’re looking for a service to Sell your handbag, think OpenLuxury.

If you’re looking for a service to Find your next luxury bag, think OpenLuxury.

Jan 5, 2023

OpenLuxury and Margaret’s Cleaners have partnered to expand their luxury services offerings!

Margaret’s is a family-run company that first began in 1953 and has been owned and operated by the Horst family for four generations. The nation’s first Five Star Certified Cleaner provides the utmost quality dry cleaning across a variety of categories.

The company was originally founded as Margaret’s Knit Blocking by Margaret Clutter with just a pair of pants and a sweater. After her husband’s passing and son being wounded in the Korean War, she started the business to be financially able to care for him when he returned. Margaret was soon known for her delicate pressing and knit blocking.

For the next three decades, her extensive skill at hand washing, stain removal, alterations, pressing, knit blocking, and knit repair earned her business the reputation for being the best cleaner in La Jolla, California.

Since, the company has opened storefronts throughout California, received multiple accolades, and worked with some of the most prestigious clients across the country. Their latest offering is a CleanByMail® Service using UPS to provide a convenient way to send and drop off repairs.

OpenLuxury is proud to partner with this legacy brand to cross-promote Margaret’s Cleaning service along with our Sell, Find, and Authentication services. This partnership will make luxury services more accessible and will be promoted across both companies’ platforms.

Lastly, to highlight the expertise at Margaret’s, here are just a few examples of how Maragaret’s service is able to restore multiple types of damage across a variety of brands and materials:

Dec 20, 2022

Now that 2022 is in the rearview mirror, it’s time that we turn our attention to the year ahead. The new year gives us the perfect opportunity to refresh our wardrobes with the latest styles and designer handbag trends, and to explore new options for what might be our next obsession.

With that, here’s our top luxury handbags that you’ll want to watch (and maybe Find) in 2023!

Our top 10 luxury bags for the new year

This list is in order of desirability, resale value retention, and demand. Regardless which ones you go for, all of these luxury handbags are great staples for any wardrobe, and are guaranteed to keep a healthy resale value come next winter season.

If you are looking to FIND, SELL, or AUTHENTICATE any of the luxury bags on this list (or any from our brand list), sign up and order one of our expert services!

#10: Saint Laurent Icare bag

An Icare Maxi bag in the color Noir
Courtesy of Harrods

The most practical designer bag on this list, the Saint Laurent Icare shopping bag is a great luxury bag for people longing for the return of the maxi-bag. A comfortable, unfussy leather shoulder bag, the Icare Maxi bag is sleek and makes the ideal commuter bag.

This bag only comes in black quilted lambskin, but what it lacks in customizability it definitely makes up for in longevity. We know that we will be seeing this designer handbag on the arms of many an on-the-go celebrity, as well in the hands of the sensible and street-savvy.

#9: Christian Dior Saddle bag

A Mini Saddle bag in the color Navy
Courtesy of The RealReal

For several years in a row the Christian Dior Saddle bag has been at the top of everyones’ shopping lists. The seemingly endless customizability, and the fact that Dior puts out so many fresh versions every season, this style continues to hold the interests of luxury shoppers everywhere.

The classic iteration of this bag, the logo-driven Diorissimo canvas in one of their classic colors (black, navy blue, and burgundy) is guaranteed to hold its style as well as its resale value. If style and aesthetics are more your speed, opt for a version with a bit more flair! Christian Dior creates (and created, if you want to shop vintage resale) interesting varieties all the time, so you can definitely find one that is more your style.

#8: Chanel 19 Flap bag

A Medium Chanel 19 Flap bag in the color Gold
Courtesy of Fashionphile

Another practical and stylish designer bag, the Chanel 19 Flap bag makes for a comfortable, sturdy, and elegant day bag. The sizing is pretty standard for Chanel, coming in three bag sizes and a wallet-on-chain version. This makes it highly versatile, and the perfect day-to-night transition bag.

The Chanel 19 Flap bag comes in a wide variety of leathers, sequins, denim, and more. Having been in the top tiers for about two years, this bag has staying power and the versatility to keep it there for years to come.

#7: Gucci Jackie 1961 bag

A Small Jackie 1961 shoulder bag in the color Light Pink
Courtesy of Rebag

Nostalgia and vintage shopping have huge influences on the fashion industry today, and the two largest cohorts buying luxury handbags now: Millennials and Gen Z. You can certainly see this phenomenon in action with the Gucci Jackie 1961 bag. Alessandro Michele loves to return back to the Gucci archives, especially the 1960’s and 1970’s eras of the brand. He brought this bag back in a big way, and everyone can’t get enough.

The Jackie 1961 bag comes in a variety of color and leather combinations, and even a few exotic skins and exclusive collaboration prints! This is one of the more notable handbags to come from Gucci in a while, and it seems like it will be around for a while more.

#6: Telfar Shopping bag

A Medium Telfar Shopping bag in the color Grape
Courtesy of Telfar

A more contemporary brand that has recently entered unicorn territory, Telfar has already offered highly sought after collaborations with Australian company Ugg as well as cult Canadian outerwear brand Moose Knuckles. Their shearling suede Telfar Shopping bag as well as their jersey and quilted nylon versions sold out in minutes, and they frequently turn out “drops” of product that do the same.

In a very short period of time, Telfar has rocketed to collectibility. The most collectible bag in their lineup: the Telfar Shopping bag in classic faux leather. These bags garner resale prices many times over their retail prices due to the lack of availability online, and if trends continue will be the investment piece of the decade.

#5: Balenciaga Le Cagole bag

A XS Le Cagole bag in the color Bright Green
Courtesy of MyTheresa

This designer bag has been gliding around social media sites mostly unannounced, but nevertheless notable. The Balenciaga Le Cagole bag is a crowd pleaser for the brand loyalist from the City bag era as well as the younger devotees of Demna Gvasalia.

The Le Cagole bag comes in a plethora of colors and metallics in their signature Arena calfskin leather. The Le Cagole XS is by far the most popular size, but any of the sizes are hot on the luxury resale market at the moment.

#4: Prada Cleo bag

A Prada Cleo bag in the color Bright Yellow
Courtesy of Farfetch

Another designer handbag inspired by vintage styles is the Prada Cleo bag. Reminiscent of ladies’ handbags in the 1950’s and 1960’s (Miuccia Prada is always pulling aesthetic threads from this era), the Prada Cleo bag has a sleek, underarm shoulder bag with a flat, beveled shape that makes it perfect for day but also an excellent evening bag.

For just a smidge more versatility, this purse comes in two variations. One has an open top with a practical magnetic snap closure, and the other variation has a flap top with magnetic snap closure. Coming in a ton of colors, and a few unique bedazzled versions, the Prada Cleo is a Gen Z favorite and sure to be a genuine crowd pleaser for many years.

#3: Hermès Kelly bag

A 28cm Kelly bag in the color Bleu Atoll
Courtesy of Sotheby’s

The Hermès Kelly bag should be no stranger to anyone familiar with designer handbags and luxury resale. With resale value retention well over other bags, it’ll be no surprise that the Kelly bag is making this list. Nearly impossible for your average shopper to get at an Hermès boutique, the Kelly has had decades of exclusivity and mystery behind it. Without much reduction in quality (unlike other luxury brands), the Kelly bag maintains its desirability with new color offerings every season.

Notable colors from recent seasons that have higher demand include Nata, Chai, Vert Criquet, and Jaune Bourgeon. If something more custom is of your liking, try a “Colormatic” Kelly bag or an “In and Out” Kelly bag. Whether you go with something unconventional or more reserved like a Black Calf Box Kelly, this bag is sure to be a staple in your closet and your collection.

#2: Hermès Birkin bag

A 30cm 3-in-1 Birkin bag in the color Noir
Courtesy of What Goes Around Comes Around

Only one luxury handbag has reigned supreme over the rest for decades: the Hermès Birkin bag. The gold standard of resale value retention, the Birkin bag never disappointed investors and the handbag obsessed alike. The Birkin even beats out the Kelly as a safer investment, although neither bag is a wrong investment move in the current market!

With the Sellier Birkin bag being retired very soon, this is the style that is sure to have higher demand in the future. Some notable colors to collect from the past few seasons include Vache Naturelle Grainée, and you can never go wrong with classic Noir, Gold, Etoupe, and Rouge H. Other than the classics, the most in-demand colors are similar to the Kelly, with Vert Criquet and Nata ranking highest. If you’re looking for something more custom, try the Birkin “3-in-1” bag, the Cargo Birkin bag, or the “Colormatic” Birkin bag.

#1: Bottega Veneta Jodie bag

A Mini Jodie bag in the color Tangerine
Courtesy of ModaOperandi

Our first place on this list couldn’t be won simply by having the highest investment value, but with its current popularity the Bottega Veneta Jodie wins by a landslide.

A favorite of younger Millennial and Gen Z shoppers, as well as the perfect grab-and-go luxury handbag, the Jodie bag is hard not to love. The variety of colors this bag has been released in is vast, making it easy to incorporate into any closet and for any season. All this in combination with a good luxury resale value, this bag will be hard to pass-up on this year.

The Jodie bag comes in five sizes, with the most popular being the smallest size, the Mini Jodie. The other sizes make the Jodie bag a very customizable bag! From smallest to largest, the sizes are the Mini Jodie bag, the Teen Jodie bag, the Small Jodie bag, the Medium Jodie bag, and the Maxi Jodie bag. The more sizes, the merrier!

Because this bag is also at a more accessible price-point, and the style suits most, it makes a fantastic gift too. All around, we think the Bottega Veneta Jodie bag is going to be a standout hit for a few more years.

These bags won’t find themselves…

If you want to find any of the bags from this list (or one that’s not!), check out FIND. We can source any luxury handbag at any price point, for just $50!

No matter what designer bags you end up with this year, make sure they’re authentic! Millions of people are scammed every year with counterfeit handbags and accessories. You don’t need to be one, with AUTHENTICATE. This is OpenLuxury’s signature luxury authentication services for designer handbags, with experience spanning a decade and covering over 43 different brands.

Nov 18, 2022

It’s the festive holiday season, the perfect time of year to express our appreciation for those we love with thoughtful gifts that perfectly suit them! Especially for the luxury fashion enthusiast (or those that love them), the task of picking the perfect gift can be a daunting one. Luckily, we have put together this year’s holiday gift guide of the best luxury handbags — from the accessible to the aspirational.

Gifts for the money conscious shopper

In this tier of luxury gifts, these handbags are sure to stretch your dollar to the maximum, including being great investments as well as fabulous designer accessories.

Chanel Small Flap bag

A Small Chanel Flap Bag with Top Handle in the color Red
Courtesy of Chanel

At the high end, we have the Chanel Small Flap bag, done in a classic tartan material with a holiday-appropriate twist! The Chanel Flap bag silhouette is incredibly versatile, and almost anyone can wear it as a crossbody or as an evening bag. Its versatility in combination with the potential return on investment makes this handbag an extremely attractive choice for gifting.

At a respectable price of $4,400 on the Chanel website, you’ll want to snatch this up before the reported price increases kick in early next year!

Bottega Veneta Jodie bag

A Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie bag in the color Parakeet
Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

The Jodie bag is one of 2022’s hottest luxury handbags, being worn to fashion weeks the world over and on many a celebrity’s arm. And with Daniel Lee having left relatively recently (late 2021), the Jodie bag is likely to become rarer and more coveted as the years go on. With an average value retention of 73% according to some resale reports, the Jodie bag is going to be a bag that’s worth the hype, and the investment.

This luxury bag is also a favorite of Millenials and Gen Z, making it a perfect fit for the younger generation of giftees on your list.

In a slew of fabulously vibrant colors, you can certainly find one that works for your special someone. Now available for $2,650 at Bottega Veneta.

Prada Cleo bag

A Prada Cleo shoulder bag in the color White
Courtesy of Prada

Another big winner in the 2022 designer handbag popularity contest is the Prada Cleo bag. Regardless of the size (available in Mini and Medium), the Prada Cleo bag is one of Prada’s most popular styles, especially with their newfound younger customer.

Drawing a great deal of inspiration from their 1990’s fashion archive, this designer bag fits right into the current trend of 90’s and early-aughts nostalgia. Particularly if you’re shopping for someone who is more on the cutting edge, or has a sleek, no-nonsense sense of style, this luxury handbag has everything for them in one sharp package.

This designer bag is available at Prada for $2,950 in their classic brushed leather colors and in two dazzling crystal embellished satin versions.

Gifts for the aspirational recipient

Now, what do you get for the person who has it all? What do you get someone who could get anything they wanted, when they want it? For the discerning giftee or the picky person on your shopping list, look no further than this category of exceptional and unique luxury handbags.

Himalayan Birkin bag

An Hermès 30cm Matte Niloticus crocodile leather Birkin bag in the color White Himalaya
Courtesy of Sotheby’s

The holy grail of all luxury designer handbags, the Himalayan Birkin is the most highly prized and coveted version of Hermès’s iconic Birkin bag.

The Himalayan Birkin gets its snowy moniker from the infamously colossal mountain range south of the Tibetan plateau. The bleaching and dying process to achieve this stunning and smokey ombré colorway is incredibly labor intensive and requires great care on the craftsman’s behalf, utilizing the finest methods of chrome tanning to achieve the crispest whites while preserving the crocodile leathers’ gorgeous scaled texture.

The example pictured above is being sold privately to discerning shoppers for $192,000 USD at Sotheby’s.

Himalayan Kelly bag with Diamond

An Hermès 32cm Matte Niloticus crocodile leather Kelly bag in the color White Himalaya with 18K white gold and diamond hardware
Courtesy of Christie’s

Not impressed by the last designer handbag? This Himalayan Kelly bag with diamond encrusted hardware might do the trick.

This Kelly bag is fashioned with the same quality craftsmanship and using the same exceptional crocodile leathers as the Birkin bag before, only this ultra-rare Kelly bag is remarkably topped off with brilliant VVS, F color diamonds set on equally stunning 18K white gold plated hardware.

The example pictured above is estimated to sell between $200,000 and $300,000 at Christie’s Handbags Online: The New York Edit holiday auction running November 22nd to December 9th during Luxury Week.

So Black Alligator Birkin bag

An Hermès 35cm Matte Alligator leather Birkin bag in the color So Black with Black PVD hardware
Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

The sleekest handbag collection that Hermès has created is the So Black collection. The rarest and most luxurious of these luxury bags: The So Black Alligator Birkin bag, of course!

Perfect for the person who embodies “All Black Everything”, this Birkin bag is guaranteed to turn heads and drop jaws sitting under one lucky bidder’s tree. Created for the Fall/Winter 2010 collection, this is a collectible piece of fashion history in addition to being a fabulous vintage handbag and accessory.

The example pictured above is estimated to sell between $60,000 and $80,000 at Heritage’s Luxury Accessories Signature Auction #5535 on December 8th.

Smaller gifts for the luxury obsessed

If you’re looking for some stocking-stuffers or smaller gifts to add some extra cheer to your holiday, perhaps try a few of these! Even more budget friendly, (and even more cute!) these bags are sure to make for the perfect holiday present.

Telfar Shopping Tote bag

A Telfar Medium Shopping bag in the color Red
Courtesy of Telfar

Our most budget-friendly option, Telfar’s Shopping bag is a newcomer but has quickly become one of the most coveted handbags out there. They’re made in a ton of different colors, ranging from classics and neutrals to brights and pastels.

Buyer beware, however: these shopping bags sell out quickly, so be attentive to their website and drop dates to make sure you can grab one in time for the holidays.

For just $202 at Telfar, this is an excellent option if you can get your hands on one!

Gucci Ophidia Mini Crescent bag

A Gucci Mini Ophidia Crescent bag in GG Supreme coated canvas
Courtesy of Gucci

With logomania remaining on trend, this option is for the logo-obsessed and sustainability-focused. GG Supreme coated canvas is a recycled material, adding an extra perk to this adorable mini bag package. In this diminutive size, this luxury bag is the perfect choice for someone who likes the mini bag and micro bag trends.

The Ophidia collection is also a mainstay and widespread favorite in the closets of Gucci’s customers, making the Mini Crescent bag a well-rounded gift.

This bag is available for $1,050 at Gucci.

Prada Mini Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 bag

A Prada Mini Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 bag in the color Red
Courtesy of Prada

This designer handbag has been a frontrunner for several years in a row, and in 2022 it remains just as popular as it was when re-released. As with a few of the other options on this holiday gift guide, this bag taps into the 1990’s and 2000’s aesthetic trend. Prada often releases new versions of this style, ensuring it stays fresh.

There’s even a sustainability angle to this gift option, with Prada’s “Re-Nylon” having been recycled by the house to create this latest run of Re-Edition 2000 bags.

For the attainable price of $1,250 at Prada, the Mini Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 bag is a formidable choice for gift buyers.

The gift of luxury resale: us!

If you’re looking for a gift from the luxury resale market instead, OpenLuxury can help you!

Use our Find service to let us search for the perfect bag to gift this holiday season. Let us know what you’re looking for, and at what price and condition, and we can handle the rest. Easy!

You can also get any bag you buy authenticated through our Authenticate service. With 43 designer brands on our list, we have the breadth of authentication experience to help ensure your purchasing the real deal. We even offer official documentation and certificates of authenticity, so you can have the paperwork to back it all up.

We’ll also be having promotions going on throughout the holidays, so be sure to create an account and follow-us on social media to stay updated!

Happy Holiday’s, and safe shopping!

Oct 30, 2022

The luxury handbag resale market has boomed over the past decade, with handbags emerging as a new asset class worthy of our investment dollars. It’s no surprise that luxury and designer handbags have become a focal point for investors, and often feature as parts of a luxury portfolio.

We’ll walk you through some of the major luxury brands that have shaped this new investment category, as well as a few that will be shaping it in the years to come.

The Newcomer

The most exciting part of the cyclical nature of the luxury resale industry is the role upcoming designers and luxury fashion houses play in the market. Every once in a while, a new designer label pops up and gives a refresh—and a brand new category for collectors to buy into.

The newcomers tend to carry more long term risk (say, if the trends change dramatically or reverse); but in the short term this category can be a fantastic option for your closet and your wallet.

Telfar Shopping bag

A large Telfar Shopping bag in the color Azalea
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

The most recent brand to climb the designer handbag value charts is the Telfar Shopping bag. This bag is responsible for placing this fledgling brand on the map, and for opening up the luxury resale market to a whole new generation of luxury resale shoppers and collectors.

The most popular version is the one done in their classic vegan leather, which can resell for around 145% of its retail value. It was even recently reported that this designer bag is now outpacing reigning heavyweight champion, the Hermès Birkin bag in terms of resale value retention.

The Classics

Longstanding investment assets in the designer handbag space, the following bags are the safest investments for any designer bag collector to consider. Whether just starting out or if you’ve been in the bag game for a while, consider these bags as the gold standard for this asset category.

Hermès Birkin bag

A 25cm Togo leather Birkin bag in the color Bleu Zellige
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

No list on luxury bags and value would be complete without the Birkin bag. Hermès’s most iconic and collectible handbag, the Birkin bag remains the safest handbag to add to a collection.

With an average increase in value of 14% year-on-year, the Birkin remains the gold standard of designer handbag investment.

Hermès Kelly bag

A 28cm Evercolor leather Kelly bag in the color Vert Criquet
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

If the Birkin bag is the gold standard, then its older sister the Kelly bag is certainly a close silver. With a similar retail price point, and a similar range of resale values, the Kelly bag can be another safe bet in the years to come.

Chanel Classic Flap bag

A Small Caviar leather Classic Flap bag in the color Purple
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

Another juggernaut luxury handbag that is still on the high end of retaining value, it should be no surprise that the Chanel Classic Flap bag would also feature alongside the Birkin bag and Kelly bag as a solid investment piece.

With retail pricing at Chanel continuing to climb in 2022 on account of the price alignment between the United States and European markets, any Chanel bag (but particularly this most famous handbag model) is going to keep high values high.

Chanel Boy bag

A Small Caviar leather Boy bag in the color Dark Red
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

If the Kelly bag is the silver medal to the Birkin bags gold, the same can be said for the Chanel Boy bag and the Chanel Classic Flap bag respectively.

Since its 2011 debut, the Chanel Boy bag continues to fetch high resale value in comparison to the aforementioned skyrocketing retail price. This pricing trend also spans across different styles and collections of Boy bags, with the most popular versions being classic caviar and lambskin leathers.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag

A Monogram Giant leather “Spring in the City” Neverfull MM in the color Pastel Sunrise
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

The final classic on our list that remains a top tier investment bag is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This bag has been in the brand’s DNA for decades now, and each rendition of the Neverfull bag seems to contribute to its status. Whether you are investing in the Classic Monogram Coated Canvas, or if you are tapping into the contemporary collections and collaborations that Louis Vuitton consistently releases, the Neverfull bag is sure to stay on this list for the long haul.

The Trendsetters

In 2022, nostalgia and vintage fashion continued to be a strong force driving the fashion world, and thus trickling through the resale market which then goes on to increase desirability (and values!). The story with this next category of handbag investments runs between two themes: what’s old becomes new again, and what a handbag may lack in years on the market it can make up for on the trend side.

Chanel 19 Flap bag

A Medium Quilted Sequin 19 Flap bag in the color Light Yellow
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

Named after the year it was created (2019), this bag was predicted to become a major player on the luxury resale market as soon as it waltzed down the runway. Post-prediction, this bag has only continued its rise to prominence and popularity in 2020, 2021, and 2022. This bag has also appeared in the resale reports of multiple high-volume resale companies, nearly guaranteeing future returns on this style for a good while.

Fendi Baguette bag

A FF 1974 Embossed Nappa leather Baguette bag in the color Clementine Baguette bag
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

In the what goes around comes around area, the Fendi Baguette bag has solidified its place on this list. Even though the original versions have been around since 1997, the nostalgia trends of the early 2020’s has relaunched this bag to a 115% retail value retention rate.

The risk for all nostalgia or vintage throwback styles is that the trends come to an end, and the prices change according to demand. Historically the prices of these bags tend to fluctuate in cycles though, so while it may be a good investment in the short term, it also has some long term potential despite the risks.

Prada Re-Edition 2000 bag

A Sequin Re-Edition 2000 bag in the color Lilium
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

Another bag that resurfaced in the nostalgia wave of the early 2020’s, this icon of the early aughts is keeping its allure with just over 110% retail value retention.

There are many versions of this bag in circulation, however the safest bet is the classic version done in solid black Tessuto nylon or Prada’s new “Re-Nylon” material, a more sustainable option. This doesn’t mean the limited editions and special collections don’t also keep up with this, as every version of this iconic style is highly collectible.

Gucci Soho Chain Crossbody bag

A Small Ostrich leather Soho Chain Crossbody bag in the color Red
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

A longstanding practical favorite for years now, the Soho Chain line has always lingered in the middle of the pack for value and popularity. A fantastic entry-level investment designer bag, the Soho Chain Crossbody bag is a great place to get started in building a collection.

With around a $1,000 retail price point (depending on the materials) and 122% of that money being retained at the current market rates, this is a solid option as well that is less competitive but no less stylish and lucrative.

Designer Collaboration bags

A Small Gucci x Balenciaga GG Supreme Monogram Coated Canvas Jackie bag
Courtesy of Fashionphile.com

Designer collaborations are a major keystone of the moment, making huge waves and creating limited edition items that shoppers can’t help but snatch up. From old-school collabs like Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami to more contemporary collections like Gucci x Balenciaga, Telfar x Ugg, and Loewe x Spirited Away.

While the data is still being collected and analyzed on the contemporary collaborations, this category is only expanding on the retail side, which typically bodes well for the near term. We would predict these collaboration collections to keep their high limited edition values in the future.

The keys to unlock luxury handbag resale value

No matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re a savvy collector with years under your belt, everyone should be watching the resale values of this rapidly growing financial asset category of luxury handbags and accessories. While this list covers a few, there’s an ever expanding list of collectible bags that are sure to make returns and increase the value of your closet over time. Happy collecting!

OpenLuxury helps you Sell, Find, and Authenticate your luxury handbags and accessories to help you navigate the murky luxury resale market with ease! You can even request a “valuation” when you authenticate with us, so you’ll know how much your items are worth. Get started today!