Rebag's 2020 Luxury Resale Report
Foreword
In October 2019, we revealed Clair by Rebag, our Comprehensive Luxury Appraisal Index for Resale. Clair, with its instant offers, universal taxonomy, and standardized grading system, was designed to bring one vital thing only: radical transparency to the opaque luxury resale.
Transparency has always been at the heart of Rebag, so in turn, our goal is to provide educational consumer
Transparency has always been at the heart of Rebag, so in turn, our goal is to provide educational consumer
resources that lift the veil over a seemingly exclusive industry.
With this in mind, we are excited to present to you the first-ever Clair Report, a consumer resource covering shifts within the luxury resale market pertaining to retained brand value, pricing trends, and significant changes in overall brand ranking since Clair’s 2019 debut.
With this in mind, we are excited to present to you the first-ever Clair Report, a consumer resource covering shifts within the luxury resale market pertaining to retained brand value, pricing trends, and significant changes in overall brand ranking since Clair’s 2019 debut.
“Since launching Clair in October 2019, our submissions have almost tripled. We see that as customers validating our approach to provide radical transparency. The resale industry is constantly changing. The Clair Report is our way of tracking those changes, sharing them with the public, and empowering consumers to make informed decisions and investments.”
CEO & Founder | Charles Gorra
The Value Of Brands
Using Clair data to take a closer look at the brands we all know and love, Rebag has calculated each brand’s average percentage of value retained compared to their retail prices for handbags and accessories.
Unsurprisingly, Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton have not wavered from the upper echelons of brand value, with Hermès handbags maintaining on average 80% of their value, and on average 63% of their value for Chanel and LV.
After all, there is a lot to be said about their rich, storied histories that have made them into household names today. But, in an unexpected and fascinating twist, two designer houses have risen in the rankings since 2019…
Boosting Brand Value
Let’s take a closer look at rising stars Bottega Veneta and Christian Dior, whose values have increased from 2019 to 2020, thanks in large part to new collections.
In 2018, Bottega Veneta brought on a new Creative Director, Daniel Lee, who has since catapulted the fashion house into the spotlight. The handbag collections under his reign have been minimalist in design yet rich in quality,
filling the void that Phoebe Philo’s departure from Celine had left behind. The appetite for Lee’s designs has dramatically influenced the brand’s rise in the rankings.
The Winners
The demand for Dior has increased since 2018 when the brand reissued its Saddle Bag model and released even more heavy hitters such as the Book Tote.
Thanks to the trends of ‘vintage revival’ and ‘logomania,’ the current trend climate has been pushing the French luxury house upwards in value.
The Winners
Resale Value Trends
The pricing of once-loved luxury goods tends to stump those who cannot decode their meaning, but in truth, an item’s resale value is often linked to trends across both the retail and resale realms. Let’s uncover the interesting pricing behind two beloved styles…
The pricing history of the Eva Crossbody is a lesson in scarcity driving demand. Overall, the Eva Crossbody has been a fan favorite since it was released in 2000 - and even more so when it was discontinued in 2014.
Thanks to the mini-bag trend, plus the bag’s sleek design, recognizable print, and ability to transform from elegant shoulder bag to everyday crossbody, it’s easy to see why and how the resale value of this style continues to inflate.
Louis Vuitton Eva Crossbody
Louis Vuitton
Eva Crossbody In Monogram Canvas
The Classic Double Flap needs no formal introduction - it’s truly one of the most recognized, iconic styles in the luxury realm. The demand for this bag doesn’t seem to dwindle, which is precisely why when prices increase at the retail level, then resale value is quick to follow.
Resale value quickly picked up early in 2020 when Chanel increased the European and US retail prices for their handbags. The Classic Flap in size Small was one of the hardest-hit syles, with an increase of more than 11% at the retail level and a significant surge in the resale market as well.
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag
Chanel
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag
In Quilted Caviar, Small
In Quilted Caviar, Small
The Value Of Accessories
In the summer of 2020, Rebag began buying and selling some of the most coveted luxury accessories in addition to handbags, including sunglasses, belts, scarves, and small leather goods. With accessory purchases usually opening the gates to luxury loyalty, let’s review this small but mighty category.
At a respective 119% and 109% average value retention, both Key Holders and Pochettes reign supreme, but categories like Card Holders (96%) and Pouches (87%) are very close behind. The attractiveness of these categories is likely thanks to their functionality, much like handbags themselves.
Shop AccessoriesThe Value Of Wallets
The value of a brand is determined by the sum of all its parts, which is why it’s interesting to delve into brand strength from a different perspective: in this case, how some brands surprisingly hold more value than others in a little accessory category called “wallets.”
The leading brands of the wallet category include Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Celine, and Gucci, which is quite the departure from the ‘Big Three’ we know as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. Dior is popular thanks to recent wallet collections that have a vintage touch to them, much like their most in-demand handbags.
Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s wallets boast a clean, classic look and an iconic monogram, popular with luxury shoppers. It goes to show that brands can spread their value across categories and subcategories far beyond large leather goods.
Clair's Picks
When it comes to investment-worthy luxury, we have the options to choose from right here. With data backing our every move, Clair by Rebag presents Clair’s Picks, the blue-chips of the resale market.
Handbags
Hermès Long Strap
Evelyne Bag Epsom TPM
Clair CodeEvelyne Bag Epsom TPM
HB.HM.EV.EPSM.TPM
Cash
$1,315
73% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$1,580
88% of est. retail price
OR
45% increase since 2019
Hermès Long Strap Evelyne Bag Epsom TPM
The Hermès Evelyne Bag was conceived in 1978, initially designed to transport small equestrian goods, but in the mid-2000s, it became an everyday style worn beyond the stable. Generally speaking, the Evelyne model has been spiking upward in popularity with Hermès shoppers in recent years, but the Long Strap Evelyne is truly the prize winner. Thanks to its compact size and crossbody functionality, this petite style ranks as one of the best mini bags that luxury lovers can’t get enough of.
SHOP The Hermès Evelyne
Louis Vuitton OnTheGo Tote
Limited Edition Reverse
Monogram Giant MM
Clair CodeLimited Edition Reverse
Monogram Giant MM
HB.LV.OTG.RMG.MM
Cash
$2,050
81% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$2,460
97% of est. retail price
OR
19% increase since 2020
Louis Vuitton OnTheGo Tote Limited Edition Reverse Monogram Giant MM
Louis Vuitton’s OnTheGo Tote was introduced in 2020 and has surged in popularity due to its large, accommodating size, limited availability, and numerous variations in different prints and colorways, with Reverse Monogram being the most in-demand. The OnTheGo Tote is hard to purchase at the retail level, making it an excellent model to shop in the resale market.
SHOP The Louis Vuitton Onthego
Chanel Classic Single Flap
Bag Quilted Caviar Mini
Clair CodeBag Quilted Caviar Mini
HB.CH.CSF.QCA.MI
Cash
$2,680
71% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$3,220
85% of est. retail price
OR
53% increase since 2019
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Caviar Mini
It comes as no surprise that Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag is one of the most attractive items to add to a luxury portfolio. Since its introduction in the 1980s, it has been released in hundreds of variations, making it possible for any luxury shopper to find the right Classic Flap for them. In this case, we consider the Single Flap in size Mini to be a winning investment for 2020. It has all the makings of a Classic Flap, but in a compact size that can fit all the essentials while satisfying the mini bag trend.
SHOP The Chanel Classic Flap BagAccessories
Christian Dior Saddle Flap
Wallet Oblique Canvas Mini
Clair CodeWallet Oblique Canvas Mini
WL.DI.SDFW.OBCV.MI
Cash
$325
56% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$390
67% of est. retail price
OR
30% increase since 2020
Christian Dior Saddle Flap Wallet Oblique Canvas Mini
Based on Rebag data, we know that Dior is the top brand to shop in the wallet category. This success is thanks in part to theSaddle Flap Wallet, a mini wallet that packs a punch in terms of design. It’s the wallet counterpart to the popular Saddle Handbag, crafted in a recognizable monogrammed canvas that collectors and vintage lovers adore – no wonder that it’s in high demand.
SHOP The Dior Saddle Flap Wallet
Gucci GG Marmont Belt
Leather Thin
Clair CodeLeather Thin
BL.GC.GGBL.LE.THI
Cash
$225
63% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$270
75% of est. retail price
OR
41% increase since 2020
Gucci GG Marmont Belt Leather Thin
Belts have always been an excellent entry point for first-time luxury buyers for multiple reasons, including functionality, accessible price point, and prominent branding, which is appealing for those who like to add a touch of luxury to their looks. Gucci’s GG Marmont Belt has been one of the best belts to buy over the past few years, thanks to its recognizable double-G logo. Its popularity can also be attributed to the overall success of the larger Marmont collection, introduced by Alessandro Michele in 2016.
SHOP The Gucci's GG Marmont Belt
Saint Laurent Classic Monogram
Card Holder Matelasse Chevron
Leather
Clair CodeCard Holder Matelasse Chevron
Leather
CH.SL.CLMO.MCL
Cash
$190
69% of est. retail price
Rebag Credit
$230
84% of est. retail price
OR
124% increase since 2020
Saint Laurent Classic Monogram Card Holder Matelasse Chevron Leather
Even after dropping the ‘Yves,’ Saint Laurent is still well-known for their sleek and shiny YSL emblem, which often adorns the brand’s most popular bags and accessories. The slim and functional Saint Laurent Classic Monogram Card Holder is no different. Similar to belts, card holders are practical and easily accessible, making this style a must-have purchase for anyone who loves this particular monogram.
SHOP The Saint Laurent Classic Monogram Card HolderDiscussion With Founder Charles Gorra
Watch as the Founder and CEO of Rebag, Charles Gorra, talks us through the data unveiled in our first-ever Clair Report: