The best vintage designer bags to invest in under £600

Wednesday, 27 October 2021

If you're doing your research into your next sartorial investment a well-chosen designer handbag is one of the best investment you can make - a guaranteed way to add a fashion-forward and luxurious feel to every outfit for years to come.

If you're looking to change up your shopping habits and become a more conscious consumer, shopping pre-owned and pre-loved luxury handbags is great for the planet by helping to extend the luxury life-cycle and it's also great for your pocket as you will be able to save a pretty penny or two.

By buying pre-owned designer pieces, these pieces tend to last for longer, it can be worn for multiple seasons, effortlessly elevate any basic outfit (for example, a simple top and pair of jeans) and items will generally hold their value really well if you choose to resell later.

Below are our choices for the best vintage designer bags to buy now and wear forever from Dior and Gucci:

Dior

During his fifteen year tenure as Head Designer at Dior beginning in 1996, Galliano injected a brilliant inventive, theatrical, romantic flair to the fashion house, creating an inspirational bag collection.

The reason to invest in these pieces now is that we have already seen a huge escalation in the value of the vintage Galliano saddlebag following its relaunch. As such there is a renewed interest and appreciation into his previous collections and this has marked a gradual increase in their prices. So, if you have been eyeing up any of these bags, now is the time to buy to get the best value.

The Dior Gaucho Bag

Inspired by the brave, skilled "Gaucho" horseman of the MidWest and South Americas, an homage to their beautifully crafted leather saddlebags.

The Dior 61 Tote

Created and launched in 2007 to celebrate 61 years of the house of Dior founded in 1946. Shop here.

The Dior 'Le Plisse' Collection

Inspired by the intricate pleating of Japanese couture. Complemented by baroque era detailing on the hardware and resin bejewelled clasps. Shop here.

Gucci

Founded in 1921 and established as a leather goods and luggage company, mostly frequented by the aristocracy, Guccio Gucci gave his initials to his goods now one of the most recognised brands in the world.

World War 2 created short supplies of luxury materials such as leather, and so Gucci turned to natural resources such as hemp, cotton, canvas and bamboo to create his collections, and this continues to the present day.

We are seeing a constant revival of the 80/90s designs in the current collections, featuring the instantly recognisable GG supreme canvas.

Gucci Ophidia Collection

This collection is reminiscent of vintage pieces, reimagining aspects of iconic bags from Gucci's past. The Ophidia Collection get its name from Greek origins - as do several other Gucci collections (e.g. the covetable Dionysus collection).

If you're looking to invest in a vintage designer bag in 2021, our top three tips include:

Set your budget and research brands and the models of the handbag. Look for a model that is being relaunched again. Examples are: Dior Saddle bag, Gucci Ophidia collection.
Try to buy a piece in the best condition possible to optimise its value.
Care and storage are crucial to your piece keeping its value. Always keep inside a dust cover with stuffing to maintain its shape.

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