As a hardcore nostalgic and a handbag collector, the idea of getting rid of a piece that I vividly remember wearing feels like erasing a memory. And it’s the earliest luxury purchases that feel particularly powerful as they instantly take me back to a time and a place.
There's the noughties Gucci holdall I got as a present during a time I could barely afford my rent, and a beige Miu Miu east-west shoulder bag I wore to one of my first dates with my boyfriend, now of over eight years. These pieces feel significant because of the moments I associate them with – even if I don’t wear them that often anymore.
Recently, an old friend got in touch asking for advice on selling the Chanel bag she got for her 18th birthday. ‘I’ve only ever worn it twice, and I feel like I would rather go on a holiday than keep it for any longer. It’s just not me – and never has been, really,’ she explained.
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Her radical detachment – and the willingness to part with such an iconic piece in exchange for a month-long trip to South America – made me reconsider my relationship with the bags that have been in my cupboard the longest.
Maybe forward-thinkers like Björk and Rei Kawakubo have a point when they talk about the power of never looking back? Perhaps Chloë Sevigny also got it right when she hosted her major closet clearout? What if selling your first luxury handbag can release a bit of magic into the fashion ether, while also creating space for what’s yet to come?
To try and answer these questions – for myself and for you – I decided to chat to my fellow bag enthusiasts and collate tips that will make sure the journey to selling your first luxury bag is as effortless and financially viable as possible. Happy selling!
Timing Is Key
The first point of assessment when deciding on whether you should sell a bag is deciding whether it fits into your current lifestyle. ‘I recently listed my vintage Chanel pleated Coco bag – it’s too small for my needs and doesn’t sit cross-body,’ says Amy Bannerman, stylist and eBay’s pre-loved style director. But when it comes to getting the most cash for your bag, it’s also important to consider external factors. ‘Cultural news shifts search terms. For instance, perhaps my old Christopher Kane jelly clutch would have made more profit if I’d listed it after the sad news of the brand’s closure,’ says fashion writer Georgina Evans.
Similarly, the value of a vintage bag will spike if a fashion house brings back an archival style. eBay reported a spike in customers searches for Chloé Paddington bags following Chemena Kamali’s AW25 show, with an increase of 628% from last year. This July, Depop saw interest for the Céline Phantom bag increase by 538% thanks to Michael Rider’s first collection for the house featuring a softer take on Phoebe Philo’s blueprint. Steve Dool, Depop’s senior brand and marketing director says that ‘the reissuing of a famous design increases media attention towards the brand and leads to a surge in demand from previous lovers of the design, as well as new customers who are discovering the iconic bags for the first time.’
Look Within Your Circle
Before listing your bag on platforms like Vestiaire, eBay, Vinted or Depop, consider asking your friends. Fashion editor Rebecca Jane Hill shares Google folders with images of her archives in group chats before putting things online. ‘Honestly, I would rather these pieces went to someone I know because I will be able to actually see them enjoying it.’ Sometimes, these roles can also reverse. Content creator Cassie Thorpe was contacted by one of her subscribers about selling her first love – a Versace Empire bag: ‘I realised that I hadn’t touched it in almost two years and decided it was time for someone else to enjoy the bag as much as I did initially. I’m very sentimental so it took a lot to part ways but I’m glad it’s being put to use, rather than gathering dust on my shelves!’
Make A Financial Plan
Parting with an old favourite gets easier when you know how you will spend the cheque. While a big sale can help plan a trans-Atlantic holiday, a more modest clearout can assist in ticking a few pieces off your wishlist. My best advice would be to put the money towards another bag that will become a mental replacement for your old bestie. For actor and musician Matthew Nguyen, it felt less emotional to sell his Céline Phantom because he had something radically different in his basket: ‘A Chanel Boy bag.’
Get Specific!
Once it comes to uploading your bag on a reselling site, there’s no such thing as TMI. A clean, bright background with natural light will show the item’s real colour, while extensive detail shots make sure your potential buyer knows exactly what they’re getting. And don’t you dare think you can hide the scuff on the bottom left corner – authentication services provided by Vinted, eBay and Vestiaire will cross-reference your listing and the stated condition against the actual item. ‘If you’ve got a big designer piece, any applicable accompanying runway images will help too. While these are often frowned upon by the platforms themselves, the right person will be likely to pay more because of it,’ says Evans.
Come Clean
A reason why you might be inclined to keep an old handbag could be the fact that it was gifted to you by your nearest and dearest. And instead of going behind their back, this wardrobe cleanse should also include an honest confession to those loving parents who bought you that Louis Vuitton Speedy when you were 18. When broaching the subject, make sure to remind them that you still love them but a lot of time has passed and you’ve grown into a different person with different needs. Even though it’s technically none of their business, telling them exactly what you’ll be spending the money on will help garner a few extra points.
Don’t Regret It (Or Get It Again)
Just like with any relationship ending, it’s important to keep reminding yourself of the reasons you broke it off in the first place in order to create a bit of distance between you and your bag. But in case the feeling of regret persists, don’t fret! ‘The chances are you can probably find the same style on one of the platforms – that’s the beauty of resale,’ Hill exclaims. And just like that… the cycle begins again!
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