Lisa Armstrong is The Telegraph’s head of fashion. She began her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of Arts in London, and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.
Each week, she responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below
Dear Lisa,
Would you be able to recommend your top picks of vintage bags on eBay? They can be bought for a fraction of the “new” price and there is a huge selection. A great option for many of us who don’t have large amounts of money to splash around in the current economic climate.
– Catherine
Hi Catherine,
You’ve landed on one of my mastermind subjects. Here goes: for anyone contemplating buying a designer bag these days, your first stop should be the resale sites. The drop-in value of most new bags the minute you get them out of the store is equivalent to that of a brand new car. eBay has some great bargains (and also fakes, caveat emptor) but there are other sites I really like too.
Before setting off, it’s worth noting that some bags are so sought after – Hermès’ mini Kelly for instance – they can cost more secondhand because there’s unlikely to be a waiting list. It’s first come, first served. If you’re lucky you might flip them for a profit.
However, I’d advise buying something you love and want to wear, whilst keeping a smart head on you.
Loewe’s Puzzle Bag holds up remarkably well on the secondary market and it’s still cheaper than buying new. This one, for instance, on eBay, is £1500, plus £9.95 for postage and packaging, compared with £2700 new at Selfridges.
Once you explore beyond the obvious It bags, you get the real bargains. Loewe’s old style Amazona (before its sleek, JW Anderson revamp) can be snapped up for as little as £230 on eBay and could be a long-term investment. You may have to get them reconditioned as they’re genuinely old. Try The Handbag Clinic.
Fendi hasn’t had a hit bag for a while so although its bags are faultlessly made, they currently resell for less than more hyped labels. This By The Way would be a great buy at £1100, compared with £1700 new. Its understated shape and clutchy-style make it very contemporary without being ubiquitous.
