Vintage alternatives to now popular luxury bags
Everyone knows that fashion is cyclical by nature. This is why when talking about some newness in fashion we usually don’t refer to it as to a premiere of a new trend, but rather a revival. I always believed that the fact that fashion is cyclical benefits consumers, as to stay on trend, today, it’s no longer mandatory to continuously buy new. Moreover, as major fashion houses have started to bring their vintage designs back into the spotlight, buying pre-loved and vintage is more than relevant. Me, being a huge lover of designer handbags could not stay away but try to find vintage alternatives to now popular luxury bags. I’ve decided to compile them in one list and present them in this blog post.
Vintage vs. New Dior Saddle Bag
In 2018, Dior reintroduced their Saddle Bag. This handbag was a true icon back in the 90’s. Many of us have first seen the Saddle bag in “Sex and the City”. Just like with Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi pumps, the Saddle bag has quickly became the new global fashion obsession after appearing in the show. To me, the Dior Saddle bag, is always going to feel like one of the first ever it-bags. It didn’t surprise me at all that ever since the re-release, the bag has become a street style staple. Dior has brought the Saddle bag back in a variety of colors and designs, including the iconic oblique print. To date, I believe, it is still the most popular version of the Saddle bag. What I feel is the major downside of the new Saddle bag is its price. The bag retails at $3,350 in Dior boutiques (March 2020). Vintage (pre-loved) Oblique Saddle bag on the resale market can be found from $1,200.
Vintage vs. New Fendi Baguette
Just like with the Dior Saddle Bag, many of us have first spotted the Fendi Baguette in “Sex and the City”. It was Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite bag. Through “Sex and the City” show, the Baguette turned into a cult bag for Fendi. The original Fendi Baguette bag was sold millions; fashionistas from all around the World craved for this bag. In 2019, the Baguette bag came back in a variety of different sizes and options. However, the new Baguette bag retails for over $2000. On the pre-loved market though, one can find the vintage Baguette bag in beautiful condition for $700 or less.
Louis Vuitton Monceau Briefcase vs. Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis
Many refer to Louis Vuitton Monceau Briefcase as to a cheaper alternative to the brands’ famous Pochette Metis. Just like the Pochette Metis, the Monceau Briefcase features an s-lock, a top handle and a crossbody strap. Shapes of both bags look incredibly alike. The biggest difference is in price. The Pochette Metis in Classic LV Monogram Canvas currently retails at $1,890 (as of March 2020), while you can find a vintage Monogram Monceau Briefcase in great condition on the pre-loved market for $700 or less. That’s a huge difference, right?!
Chanel Kelly Flap Bag vs. Chanel Coco Handle Flap Bag
In their Fall/Winter 2015 Collection, Chanel has introduced their stunning Coco Handle Flap Bag. Today, this bag is an arm-candy of many fashion bloggers and influencers. The Coco Handle Flap bag is a perfect mix between a classic flap bag and a tote. It also features leather-chain strap that allows to wear the bag on the shoulder or as a crossbody. What I believe is a great alternative for the Coco Handle Flap bag is the Chanel’s Kelly Flap bag that was sold in early 2000’s. Both Chanel Coco Handle and Vintage Kelly Flap bags feature a very similar shape. The only difference is that the Kelly Flap bag doesn’t have a crossbody strap. Nonetheless, while the Coco Handle Flap bag (in size: small) retails new at over $4000, an excellent condition vintage Kelly Flap bag can be found from $2,400 on the pre-loved market.
What do you think about the bags presented in this blog post? Sound off in the comments below!
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