
07 Mar Louis Vuitton vs. Hermès: Which Luxury Handbag Holds Its Value Best
Louis Vuitton vs. Hermès: Which Luxury Handbag Holds Its Value Best?
Introduction
Louis Vuitton vs. Hermès: Which Luxury Handbag Holds Its Value Best. When investing in a luxury handbag, resale value is a crucial factor. Louis Vuitton and Hermès stand out as two of the most prestigious brands. But which one holds its value better? Let’s dive into the details and see which brand comes out on top.
Brand Prestige and Exclusivity
Both Louis Vuitton and Hermès have a rich heritage, but their approaches differ significantly.
Louis Vuitton: Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton is known for its monogram canvas and innovative designs. The brand has a widespread presence, making it highly recognizable and accessible.
Hermès: Established in 1837, Hermès takes exclusivity to another level. Its Birkin and Kelly bags have long waitlists, adding to their desirability and resale value.
Investment Potential: Which Holds Value Better?
When looking at resale value, both brands perform well, but Hermès typically outshines Louis Vuitton.
Hermès Resale Value
Hermès bags, particularly the Birkin and Kelly, have been known to appreciate in value over time. A well-maintained Birkin can sell for more than its original retail price in the secondary market due to limited supply and high demand.
Louis Vuitton Resale Value
Louis Vuitton bags also hold value well, but they tend to depreciate more than Hermès. Limited-edition pieces and classic styles like the Speedy or Neverfull retain a significant portion of their original price, but they don’t appreciate like a Birkin.
Material and Craftsmanship Comparison
Hermès bags are handmade by a single artisan, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship.
Louis Vuitton uses high-quality materials and a mix of machine and hand-assembly processes. Hermès offers a variety of luxurious leathers, such as Togo, Epsom, and Clemence, which age beautifully
Louis Vuitton’s coated canvas is durable and iconic, though leather versions like the Capucines tend to hold their value better.
Price Differences: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Value
- A Louis Vuitton Neverfull costs around $2,000 to $3,000, with a resale value of approximately 60-80% of the retail price.
- A Hermès Birkin starts at $10,000+, but resale prices often exceed $20,000, making it a better long-term investment.
Exclusivity and Availability
- Louis Vuitton: Widely available in boutiques and online stores, with seasonal collections.
- Hermès: Highly exclusive, requiring a relationship with a sales associate to even be offered a Birkin or Kelly.
Conclusion: Which One Wins?
For long-term investment, Hermès handbags consistently outperform Louis Vuitton in resale value. However, if you’re looking for a luxury bag that is more accessible and still holds value well, Louis Vuitton is a great choice.
For more luxury fashion insights, visit EverythingLuxury.com.