Wondering which pre-owned designer bags to invest in for your store? While the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, the Hermes Birkin, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, and the Kelly immediately come to mind for resale value, style and demand, sometimes the most popular bags are hard to find, and the price is quite high.
So, what should you do? Luckily, you’ve got options! From the Louis Vuitton Capucines to the Gucci Jackie 1961 and the Dior 30 Montaigne, these are the best under-the-radar designer bags that are not only worth the investment, but beautiful, and timeless too.
THE HERMES CONSTANCE
When you think of Hermès, the Kelly and Birkin bags immediately come to mind, but The Constance is a bag that’s always on our radar. Launched in 1959, the Constance was created by in-house designer, Catherine Chaillet, and named after her first child. This was the first flap bag for Hermès, featuring a flat top, adjustable shoulder strap, the option of a single or double gusset (or compartment) and the gleaming H buckle closure.
LOUIS VUITTON CAPUCINES
When a customer has LV on their brain, they’re probably crushing after the Speedy or the Neverfull, but the Capucines is a beautifully crafted, structured tote that’s as timeless as it is utilitarian. Named after the Rue des Capucines, where Louis Vuitton’s first store was located, this timeless, versatile tote was originally introduced to the world in 2013. This now iconic bag features a distinctive flap that can be worn outside (to reveal the monogram flower) or inside (to display the LV initials), has a decorative top handle, protective feet, a detachable strap, and two spacious inner compartments. The Capucines is available in an array of materials, prints, and colors — including rare designer collaborations.
DIOR 30 MONTAIGNE
Dior’s resale value is on the up-and-up, but while some stores are stocking up on the Lady Dior and the Book Tote, we as feel very strongly about the 30 Montaigne Shoulder Bag. The Dior 30 Montaigne is a bit reminiscent of the Hermes Constance with its boxy design, logo hardware and the adjustable, double-loop shoulder strap that also lets you wear it as a crossbody. Introduced in 2019 to thunderous applause, this instant classic is sleek and structured with a fold-over flap featuring a glistening “CD” monogram, embossed “30 Montaigne” on the back, and interior and exterior pockets.
CHANEL GRAND SHOPPING TOTE
The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote (GST) is Chanel’s most classic, iconic, and roomiest shopping tote that’s equal parts style and function. Featuring classic quilting, the double C motif, open and zippered compartments, and split chain handles, it’s no wonder this now discontinued shoulder bag is fetching top dollar on the resale market.
The bag comes in three different sizes, the Petite Shopping Tote, the Grand Shopping Tote, and the Grand Shopping Tote XL. As a classic piece, it’s only available in classic quilting, and mostly produced in caviar leather, but there are a few patent and lambskin options on the resale market. It’s also available in a rainbow of colors, from white to blue and traditional black.
GUCCI JACKIE BAG & JACKIE 1961
Not only is the Gucci Jackie Bag iconic and very in demand, but the relaunch of this timeless classic is also resale gold. The Fifties Constance bag, known for its half-moon hobo design and piston-shaped closure, was first introduced in the 1950s and is thought to be the original hobo bag. This instant classic became the epitome of timeless style after Jackie Kennedy Onassis was regularly spotted toting it around New York City. It was then renamed The Jackie Bag as a nod to her jet-setting style and influence over the fashion industry.
The Jackie O Bag was previously relaunched in 1999 and 2009. In 2020, Gucci’s Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, revived the iconic bag and renamed it The Jackie 1961. He also launched a medium and large Jackie 1961 Tote Bag.
Content and images for this blog post have been sourced and referenced from LePrix.