Introduction
Anyone who still thinks handbags are just accessories hasn't understood everything!
Indeed, for several years, they have become real financial assets . In a context of inflation and a saturated real estate market, investing in a luxury bag and more particularly in brands that have been solid for decades and recognized throughout the world for their qualities, such as Chanel or Hermès, is establishing itself as a strategy that is both accessible, more than profitable and sustainable.
1. The luxury bag: a more accessible investment than real estate
While buying real estate requires tens of thousands of euros, taxes and maintenance, a luxury bag is an affordable investment :
- You can start from €2,000-€3,000 with pre-owned Chanel models.
- The asset is mobile and liquid : it can be carried, used and resold quickly on the international market.
2. Hermès and Chanel in the lead: the champions of valuation
- Hermès remains the leader with the Birkin and the Kelly, some models of which retain 85% of their value, or even double over time.
- Chanel is hot on Hermès' heels : in just 7 years, the price of the Classic bag has gone from €4,260 to over €10,300.
- Models like the Timeless , the Boy, the 2.55 and the Chanel 19 are experiencing regular increases of 10 to 17% per year.
Unlike Louis Vuitton or Dior, whose models are less popular, Chanel is today considered the best compromise between desirability, accessibility and profitability.
3. Why choose vintage Chanel?
In the 2000s, Chanel changed its approach to the equipment it used to control its production costs.
- Before 2008, Chanel systematically used 24-carat gold-plated hardware on its bags. A prestigious detail that brought brilliance, luxury, and durability, while ensuring exceptional resistance to time and wear.
- The soft, durable leathers, stitching and finishes of vintage pieces often outshine recent models.
Result: the vintage Chanel market exploded and became highly sought after , because it combined rarity, quality and heritage .
4. Vintage Chanel bags worth the investment
Here are the most sought-after models in 2025:
- The Camera Bag : small square format, iconic from the 80s.
- The Jumbo single flap (90s): with its 24-carat gold CC clasp.
- The Vanity Case : a cult bag brought up to date.
- Timeless Vintage : Its price increases every year, it remains a classic of the house with its 24k gold-plated jewelry
- The Hermès Birkin : For its quality, its casual chic style and its exclusivity.
- The Hermès Kelly: The most iconic, it remains the ultimate iconic fashion luxury bag to own.
Some are no longer produced or very difficult to acquire, which causes their prices to skyrocket.
5. Comparison: real estate vs. luxury bags
| Criteria | Real estate | Luxury bag |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | >€100,000 on average | from €2,000 – €3,000 |
| Yield | 3–5%/year (net) | 10–15%/year for Chanel/Hermès |
| Liquidity | Long sale (months/years) | Quick sale (auction, resale) |
| Pleasure of use | Rare (rental) | Daily, enhancement + style |
6. Strategy for smart investing
- Favor Chanel and Hermès for rapid valuation.
- Focus on timeless icons (Timeless / Classic, Kelly, Birkin, Camera Bag).
- Favor neutral colors (black, beige, burgundy).
- Store your bags properly (See our guide to preserving your luxury bags) and always keep your certificates, box, dust bag .
- Buy only through certified platforms with authentication expertise , such as Soline .
Conclusion
Luxury bags have become much more than a fashion accessory: they are financial assets in their own right .
And if Hermès remains the undisputed leader, Chanel is undoubtedly the best choice for those looking for a safe, prestigious and accessible investment .
Discover the selection of certified vintage Chanel bags at Soline
