Secure The Bag: How To Invest In Luxury Handbags That Retain Their Value
In an economic downturn, many consumers take stock of what’s valuable and efficient for their budgets. The current economic climate can be a deterrent to investing in luxury items, but it could be one of the better investments to make right now. When we think about luxury handbags, we often think about the hefty amount of money we’re investing into the product. As of late, though, a different discussion has dominated the conversations in the luxury handbag space, and that’s the idea of resale.
It’s a burgeoning market, with secondhand companies seemingly sprouting up everywhere. To understand the resale conversation though, one has to understand the importance of the luxury handbag sector. Not surprisingly, handbags and small leather goods (SLGs) are the unsung heroes of your favorite heritage brands, driving the majority of sales at the world’s biggest names. According to a BoF report, global luxury giant Hermes attributes roughly 46% of its overall revenue to handbags and SLGs, whereas Prada sits at around 50% and Gucci nets out around 53%. For smaller or newer houses, the percentage grows higher, with Kate Spade at 78%, Coach at 72%, and houses like YSL and Bottega sitting at 71%.
This escalation strategy, typically deployed by heritage brands but quickly catching on with smaller brands, allows for more client acquisition and escalation. In the fashion world where the objective is volume, this strategy is an effective model to stay relevant, partially regarding the younger generation.
In an industry that’s predicted at $100 billion in 2026, brands are competing to own the market for luxury handbags, including owning the secondhand market. ‘Investment bags’ are quickly becoming a popular topic of conversation on Rihanna's internet. According to a Bloomberg report, luxury handbags are becoming a hotly sought-after investment commodity, a trend driven primarily by Gen Z and millennial shoppers. The return on investment (ROI) can be profitable, especially in this $72 billion market of luxury goods; one just needs to know where to look.
Fashion insider or not, chances are you already know about the retention rates of brands like Hermes and Chanel, but what about the other brands? Keep reading for tips on the best luxury handbag investments, including the ones to look out for!
Dior
Due to the record-breaking success over the last several years (specifically the last two), Dior handbags are quickly gaining stock in the resale market. The trajectory of the brand is based on culture-obsessed designs and modern twists on classic silhouettes.
Saddle Bag
Lady Dior
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, an unsung hero on the resale market, retains 80% of its value if taken care of. The French house has an incredible market share in handbags, with offerings across a variety of price ranges, encouraging brand loyalty as customers continue to invest in the luxury handbag market.
Speedy
Bumbag
Keepall
Bottega Veneta
An unexpected house that has dominated both the luxury and secondhand markets, Bottega Venetta has skyrocketed into one of the most buzzworthy brands, season after season. The brand has seen significant growth since 2019 and is up 12% vs 2020; a feat hard for designers in the post-COVID world. With that, new bags are expected to have a retention rate of 85% - an incredible ROI for any brand but especially for newer brands like Bottega Veneta.
Mini Jodie
Cassette (Belt Bag or Chain Strap)
FENDI
With the resurgence of Y2K comes the rebirth of nostalgic silhouettes and textures, and one bag stands out among the rest: The Fendi Baguette. Featured in the cult series Sex and the City, the baguette has reached a rockstar level, FENDI re-released the bag in an array of styles, colors, and shapes. It solidified its superior place on the resale market hierarchy by being coveted by millennials and Gen-Zers alike.
Baguette
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Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
- Bag Secured: Get Into Fall 2020’s Most Stylish Handbags ›
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
Entertaining Like Ayesha Curry: Expert Advice For Holidays Done Right
Be prepared to wow the crowd.
It’s officially the holiday season, which means parties and gatherings galore. Between Friendsgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations, many of us are preparing to host loved ones in our homes one or two times between now and the end of the year. No matter the occasion or season, hosting for family and friends is a labor of love. But we can also agree that entertaining can be overwhelming, especially for first-time hosts.
As a seasoned host and entertainer, Ayesha Curry knows something about creating a memorable event for loved ones. Whether preparing for an intimate dinner with your immediate family or hosting a larger crowd, your guests will think you are a pro this holiday season with her tips on everything from welcoming guests to setting a beautiful table.
Q: What is your top tip for hosting?
Ayesha Curry:Part of being a great host is spending time with your guests, which means you can’t be stuck in the kitchen. Prep is key! I usually serve wine with the meal, but a cocktail or mocktail is a great way to greet guests. I prep the garnish the night before and batch the drink just before guests arrive. When the party begins, I pull everything out of the fridge and am ready to serve.
Writer Note: If you would like to offer non-alcoholic beverages for your sober or sober-curious guests, I love Saint Viviana Cab. It maintains full-body cabernet and flavor; no one will ever guess it’s alcohol-free. You can easily create a signature mocktail using Bittermilk’s Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour mix.
Q: Do you suggest any prep for serving or cooking?
AC:I lay out all my serving dishes and utensils the night before with little post-it notes saying what goes where. That way, I’m not digging around for anything. For more elaborate menus, I lay out quarter sheet pans and label them with tape according to the dish. I prep and measure everything for each recipe and then load each sheet pan with everything needed to make the dish. I wrap each tray in saran or foil, stack them, and place them in the fridge. Pull out the sheet pan you need when cooking, and everything is ready. It’s something I learned at the restaurant that saves so much time.
Q: What’s one item that should always be on a dinner party menu?
AC: Bread or roll with butter is excellent for holding guests over if the kitchen is delayed.
Q: What’s one non-menu item you should always have on hand?
AC: For a non-menu item, wine!
Q: How do you decide on a theme or menu for a gathering?
AC: It all starts with the occasion and the guest list. If it’s a group that doesn’t know each other very well, I may get more elaborate with the theme to help break the ice. For a group of friends or family who don’t get to see each other very often, I usually keep it simple so the evening can be all about catching up. A great playlist, good wine, and a family-style menu are all you need.
Q: Should attendees be expected to bring a gift?
AC: If I’m hosting, I’m not expecting gifts. The gift is taking time to come over and enjoy a meal with me! But bringing something to enjoy at the gathering, like a bottle of wine, is always appreciated.
Q: What are three affordable gifts that guests can give a host?
AC:A bag of excellent coffee is a beautiful gift for a host. Sweet July’s House Blend Coffee is sourced from all-female co-ops, so it’s a gift I love to give to the women in my life. Whether it’s being served after dinner or just for the host to enjoy on their own, you can’t go wrong with a bag of high-end coffee.
Fresh flowers are great if you have a host who likes total control over the food and beverage menu. Go for something neutral in color that can work with any décor.
The Sweet July Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar set is my go-to host gift. Bottled in Napa, it’s a gift any foodie will appreciate - and use!
Q: What are some creative tablescape or decor ideas that you love?
AC: I like to keep my dinnerware neutral and classic (like this ceramic collection in nutmeg) and infuse color and texture through linens. For centerpieces, I want to use what I have in my yard. If it’s summer, it might be flowers or greenery, but interesting branches can also look architectural in tall, clear vases next to tapered candles in the colder months. There’s no need to spend a ton of money on flowers.
With Ayesha’s tips, you can create a holiday gathering that your family and friends will cherish forever.
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