Luxury bags, despite their high price, are still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Understanding the market for these precious goods, One Designers store manager Gladys Liew shares why these handbags are eye candy to many.
Great quality, worth the splurge
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then handbags are a woman’s soulmate. For most people, holding a bag is more than just convenient; it becomes an identity, a part of us that elevates our personality. The concept of storage is long gone, and fashionable bags that complement your style are now in.
As fashion trends evolve, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bag. Bags of various sizes, shapes, and colours are displayed in many girls’ closets to suit the range of their daily outfits. And some are willing to go even further with their passion for bags by purchasing from luxury brands.
Though they can be more expensive, Gladys Liew, the store manager of One Designers, revealed that the market for branded bags in Sarawak is favourable. With a wide range of European brands to choose from — including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, and others — the store’s target audience is diverse in age.
“We may have young people coming in searching for small bags. Adults, on the other hand, prefer bags that are big enough to carry their daily essentials. Our bag selection ranges from clutch to shoulder bag sizes to meet the needs of our customers,” she said.
As the design of a bag plays an important role as a purchase factor, Liew said many people chose to buy from the store for the more sought-after bags that were brought in.
“We also sell clothing and footwear from luxury brands. Furthermore, our prices are usually lower than those of boutiques.”
Understanding the value of luxury bags
One Designers, which was established in 2014 as an online store on Instagram, opened its first physical store at Jalan Tun Jugah last July. Understanding the need of the luxury bags market in Sarawak, the store strives to provide the best selection for its clientele.
From Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus, and many more, One Designers offers an array of designer brands that are hard to resist.
When asked which of the brands has a high reselling value, Liew said that the highly sought-after brands — both locally and globally — Chanel and Hermès each have a high value among luxury bag enthusiasts. According to the store manager, these two brands often have a high resell value. Everything comes down to exclusivity and desirability.
“It is not unheard of for the worth of a luxury handbag to rise over time. While the reselling value of the bags varies on their condition and specifications, the prices of these two brands might fetch a higher price than their initial purchase,” said Liew.
As an example, she said Chanel regularly increases its price.
“That is why I usually advise shoppers that if they want to buy it, they should do so as soon as possible before the price increases. The increase in prices is also caused by exchange rate fluctuations and changes in production costs.
“It’s the same with the luxury brand Hermès. The shop does not allow just anyone to purchase their bags. To buy a Hermès, you must be invited, offered, or join a waiting list. Furthermore, it is usually not the colour or design that you desire because they will only offer you one or two bags to choose from.”
At One Designers, there is no waiting list and they are available in store.
Impeccable workmanship
Some bag lovers would buy from a certain brand because of the story behind it. For example, some equestrian enthusiasts might opt to purchase a Hermès bag to honour their hobby. Chanel introduced its first bag, the 2.55 quilted shoulder bag, which would allow ladies to have their “hands free” to do other things rather than holding a handbag.
But it is the stitching of the bag, the way the zips effortlessly slide down its teeth, the sweet, woody smell of the leather, and how sturdy yet soft the bag may feel that keeps many wanting more. They may be expensive, but the value they bring to your quality of life is truly unmatched.
“As most of these luxury bags are made by hand, the workmanship is impeccable. However, because it requires manual labour to achieve perfection, the bags can be expensive and limited in quantity. The difference in quality is noticeable with these bags. It is soft and has a distinct leather smell,” shared Liew.
Caring for your bags
Given the price and brand name, these bags are precious and require regular tender, loving care. Liew would often advise her clients not to keep their bags stashed away in the closet.
“The bags can also be left on display, like we do at the store or to be aired out every now and then. This is due to the humid weather here, which causes mould to grow if bags are stored away. When they do, they must be cared for right away. If it’s too late, I’m afraid it may not be salvageable.”
Liew said the store also sells bag care products like a water resistant spray and wipe-on to clean and care for the bags after use.
So, while these bags flaunt perfection, the journey from where they were to where they are is an adventure that conveys the story of the luxurious touch they provide. The pricing can be daunting, but every luxury bag enthusiasts understands that its worth is what sets it apart from the rest.
