The Best Luxury Fashion Items With High Resale Value Worth Investing In
Instead of art, look to fashion to diversify your financial portfolio
When people look to diversify their income and revenue streams, stocks, bonds and other financial products are often first to come to mind. Fashion is usually not high, if at all, on the hit list.
However, like prized art pieces from Picasso to Van Gogh, there are certain products in fashion that stand the test of time and appreciate in value. One example is Hermes' famed Birkin bag, renowned for its craftsmanship and scarcity. Ahead, we tell you what luxury fashion items have high resale value that are worth investing in.
Due to their limited availability, the ultra-coveted and ultra-luxurious Birkin and Kelly bags are one of the best “investment” bags you can treat yourself to. Not only are the designs timeless and will pretty much go with everything you own, but they also get snapped up on the second-hand market very quickly too.
When buying a Birkin or Kelly, pick one in a neutral colour like beige or black as they’re classic colours that are easier to sell.
The classic double flap is where it’s at. Chanel’s iconic 2.55 handbag first debuted in 1955 for US$220 (about S$306) and is now worth roughly 30 times that amount, and its value continues to increase every year.
Clean lines, feminine quilting and its slightly edgy chain and leather woven straps make it the perfect everyday bag that instantly elevates even the most basic outfit, further adding to its value.
You read that right. Kanye West’s famous Yeezy kicks are produced in limited quantity, and with athleisure trending hard now, you’ll find that a pair of Yeezys can resell at nearly five times their original retail value.
For example, his Nike Air Yeezy Red Octobers (released February 2014) retailed at US$250 (S$350), but have an average resell value of a whopping US$5,600 (S$7,833) today. Think about that before going for a run in your next pair of Yeezys.
Remember the saga a few years back when Kylie Jenner admitted the reason she always sported a Love bracelet was because she couldn’t remove it? Well, if that isn’t a testament to its longevity and timelessness (imagine a Jenner/Kardashian wearing the same thing more than once), we don’t know what is.
We recommend opting for the diamond-paved one as in the event Cartier becomes unfashionable one day, a diamond bracelet will always have value.
The watch brand’s famous slogan, “you never own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after one for the next generation” hints at not only its heritage but also the fact its value is bound to increase over time. Known for setting auction house records, part of the reason why Patek Philippe watches are so valuable is that it has been rumoured that less than 1 million pieces have been made since 1839.
The only “downside” with Patek Philippe is their extremely high entry-level prices running at about US$20,000 (S$28,000).
Wearing second-hand shoes, much less buying them, might cause many to scrunch up their noses in disgust – but not when you’re talking a pair of Christian Louboutins. There are very few shoe brands that can maintain their value so long you see the famed red sole, you’re good.
As they are consistently in demand, so long you take good care of them and opt for styles that are more versatile and timeless, you shouldn’t have an issue on the resale market.
Whether wrapped around the handle of a handbag or draped elegantly around your neck like Audrey Hepburn, these silk numbers retail at around US$395 (S$553) and can resell well into the thousands depending on the style, season and artist behind the design.
Each piece is handmade in France and silkscreened by hand, and often feature works by renown artists, adding to their value. Keep an eye out for the limited edition pieces as those are worth the most.
Text: Mona Teo/Her World