I recently got into vintage Celine bags because I like the triomphe vintage look, but I don't want to pay thousands of dollars for new bags when it's a similar look. Anyone also collect vintage bags? Any tips from TPFers?
Collecting Vintage Bags?
- Thread starter poleneinblack
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I used to have a very large collection of all sorts of vintage bags.
I sold many around 8 or 9 years ago. Bags that took up too much space, not great condition, were never going to be used because they were too scary (beige suede anyone
) or just wrong for me.
I have kept the best, croc examples, high-designer names (still active or not) examples of the typical styles of the time, unusual colours and excellent condition.
All my Loewe, Lavin, Burberry bags and Burberry and LV luggage bags and SLGs are vintage, they are better than today's. Most of my Chanel and BV were inherited, depending on the style you can get a few bargains. Lots of my Hermes and Gucci, some inherited, some lucky finds. Judith Leiber is very cost effective if you stay away from the crystals. Forgotten names are excellent value, e.g. Bellstone, Koret or Mappin and Webb (now mostly jewellery).
My tips are decide which designer(s) to concentrate on so you get an excellent feel for and knowledge about that brand. and perhaps which types of bags to specialise in. It's easier to care and store bags that are similar.
Also, decide on an acceptable level of condition for you. The higher priced a brand sells for, the lower condition you may have to accept at a price point (not always though).
Price wise, you will never usually find the best offers online because you have global competition. if you really want to bag a bargain look online, but also vintage and antique fairs, flea markets, goodwill sores, be prepared to hunt etc.
I sold many around 8 or 9 years ago. Bags that took up too much space, not great condition, were never going to be used because they were too scary (beige suede anyone
) or just wrong for me.I have kept the best, croc examples, high-designer names (still active or not) examples of the typical styles of the time, unusual colours and excellent condition.
All my Loewe, Lavin, Burberry bags and Burberry and LV luggage bags and SLGs are vintage, they are better than today's. Most of my Chanel and BV were inherited, depending on the style you can get a few bargains. Lots of my Hermes and Gucci, some inherited, some lucky finds. Judith Leiber is very cost effective if you stay away from the crystals. Forgotten names are excellent value, e.g. Bellstone, Koret or Mappin and Webb (now mostly jewellery).
My tips are decide which designer(s) to concentrate on so you get an excellent feel for and knowledge about that brand. and perhaps which types of bags to specialise in. It's easier to care and store bags that are similar.
Also, decide on an acceptable level of condition for you. The higher priced a brand sells for, the lower condition you may have to accept at a price point (not always though).
Price wise, you will never usually find the best offers online because you have global competition. if you really want to bag a bargain look online, but also vintage and antique fairs, flea markets, goodwill sores, be prepared to hunt etc.
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There are relatively better deals if you like bags that are not popular sizes or styles
for example, a larger bolide or plume or tote (double sens etc) or market bag, to name a few, Hermes
or a chanel boy bag or seasonal
or a Dior bag in any discontinued style
etc.
compare, authenticate before purchase, and pay with fee based pay pal backed by amex
pay careful attention to condition listed and avoid anything with structural damage
factor in aftercare, spa services etc, and if buying from japanese resellers or internationally, customs and applicable state sales tax, and other charges
don‘t compromise, but also be ready to jump if you see a great bag at a great price.
+1 with @papertiger ‘s tips and re Koret
for example, a larger bolide or plume or tote (double sens etc) or market bag, to name a few, Hermes
or a chanel boy bag or seasonal
or a Dior bag in any discontinued style
etc.
compare, authenticate before purchase, and pay with fee based pay pal backed by amex
pay careful attention to condition listed and avoid anything with structural damage
factor in aftercare, spa services etc, and if buying from japanese resellers or internationally, customs and applicable state sales tax, and other charges
don‘t compromise, but also be ready to jump if you see a great bag at a great price.
+1 with @papertiger ‘s tips and re Koret
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Yes, because I like specific bags from the past, and I was able to get some of them online for a good price, since they're not so popular. I like Gucci a lot, but I don't like current Gucci collections so I went online and bought some vintage bags that I used to love many years ago.
I also recently bought a vintage Fendi in a flea market. Lucky find. it's 100% real, in perfect condition, from the 70s or 80s, and I paid only 80 euros for it (originally it was 120 but I asked for a discount)
I don't mind if a bag has been used, if it's still in good condition... and some used bags have more style and personality than perfect new ones.
But I don't buy anything if it's broken or in bad condition.
I also recently bought a vintage Fendi in a flea market. Lucky find. it's 100% real, in perfect condition, from the 70s or 80s, and I paid only 80 euros for it (originally it was 120 but I asked for a discount)
I don't mind if a bag has been used, if it's still in good condition... and some used bags have more style and personality than perfect new ones.
But I don't buy anything if it's broken or in bad condition.
I know it's been a while since there was activity on this thread, but I loved reading the few recs here. I've recently been spending more time looking into vintage handbag designers, not just the big name ones. For instance, I only recently discovered Judith Leiber and Martin van Schaak. Thanks @papertiger for the Koret tip! I'd love to hear where others look online for vintage bags. I'm in LA and I do go to thrift/flea spots when I can, but I also don't have a lot of time right now. I've been looking on eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, Vestiaire, and Ruby Lane. Any other big ones I'm missing? Ty! 
i love vintage bags; especially LV and Gucci. I have Gucci’s from the 60’s through 90’s and, LV’s from 80’s & 90’s ( I’ve purchased some LV’s in the 2000’s but the quality is not exceptional for the price) Vintage pieces have character, you don’t see everyone with your style of bag, and, are just crafted better.
I'm definitely not as well-versed in vintage as @papertiger and @880 but do enjoy learning and "the hunt"! And have enjoyed good fortune finding some great pieces...was lucky to buy some vintage Celine when everyone was rediscovering the brand thanks to Phoebe Philo and made a nice profit when her designs made them uber-popular again!
But now I don't buy vintage to re-sell. I buy for better quality and prices, and am not afraid of some crafty DIY-ing to make something more attractive and usable.
But now I don't buy vintage to re-sell. I buy for better quality and prices, and am not afraid of some crafty DIY-ing to make something more attractive and usable.
Timely thread as I’ve fallen down the vintage rabbit hole. Have two LV bags I’m about to pull the trigger on - a petite Noe and the Saint Cloud. Trying to stay rational and buy just one but I can’t pick between the two haha. I think I’d get more use out of the Saint Cloud as I wear a lot of crossbody bags but there’s just something about the petit Noe, especially with the aged vachetta. I’m obsessed
I was in the rabbit hole earlier today looking at Saint Clouds!! So pretty and functional. I have a few buckets already so that’s my consideration when I’m thinking about a purchase. Where does it fit in?