Why bags are so expensive

The numbers speak for themselves. You must be logged in to post a comment. Tags: designer , designer handbag , handbags Author: by The Bag Vault. December 30, The Making of Coco Chanel. Add Your Comment Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Login Register Login. Forgot password?

Remember me. The answer can be distilled to two words: Material and craftsmanship. Their stratospheric prices are attributed to the fact that each bag is made entirely by hand by a single craftsman who trains for almost two years before he or she is allowed to build a Birkin.

It takes 18 to 24 hours to produce one bag, which means a limited number can be made each year. Birkins are made variously with calf leathers, cowhide, and mountain goat skin, some of which are processed and pressed for durability. Exceptional skins, such as those from almost white crocodiles, can take decades to reach maturity. To make an impressive purse, the skins must be unblemished and ethically sourced.

But crocodiles fight, which means they get injured and scarred in the scuffle, so finding a pristine skin is a challenge. Add to that the diamond studs and gold buckles that embellish the bags and the numbers really start to add up. Traditionally made of the finest lambskin, the bags are also available in patent calfskin, python or alligator skin, and other materials such as jersey and tweed.

While the leathers give the bag an incredibly soft, supple texture, the bags themselves are built and tested like tanks to ensure they withstand time and use. An article on Popsugar explains how Mulberry handbags are first conceptualised as a design sketch, which is then drawn out on a computer.

A mock version is made of paper to verify sizing before a production sample is made. So, just as Ferrari and Mercedes both make good cars, but Ferraris are more expensive, Dior and Michael Kors handbags are just as functional and beautiful as each other though Dior handbags ten to cost more. For example, Gucci accessories have risen in popularity recently, thanks to their connection to young, pop culture icons.

As a result, even second hand Gucci merchandise is selling well at higher prices. Unsurprisingly, designer brands and fashion houses put a lot of energy into keeping their customers happy; they know that word of mouth is often the best advertisement, and reputation is everything in their industry.

It may seem that big houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vitton need no introduction, but this is because of the clever ways in which they manage their marketing campaigns to be both subtle and pervasive.

They hire the best, of course, so that they can be the best, and that costs a lot of money! So, as you can see there are reasons why designer handbags command such huge prices; high-quality materials, the input of skilled craftsmen and women, and less quantifiable factors such as reputation and desirability as well as the rarity of a handbag all come together to make the perfect storm. However, whether or not any handbag is worth the price tag is entirely up to you. Of course, there are those who think that having the best, on-trend bag for that season is worth any price that they can afford, while there are others who look for a little more from a handbag.

Here are some of the main concerns when buying a designer handbag;. Choose a bag that will fit either your everyday essentials, or be a good go-to bag for dinners, parties, and nights on the town. Think about the climate you live in and ask yourself how well the bag will fare. After all, suede is beautiful, but it may not stand up to cold, wet, and snow for long, Likewise, fabrics which bleach easily in strong sunlight may be a poor choice for those living on the equator,.

This is most important! Choosing to invest in a Gucci, Prada, or even Michael Kors bag is something that you should do to please yourself first and foremost. Things like trends, reputation, status, and designer pedigree should never come before your own taste and style… after all, fashion is about expressing yourself. Before you go, I have put together a review of the most elegant perfumes ranging from timeless classics to modern day sophistication that I think you will enjoy.

Please take a moment to browse through my hand-picked collection of elegant designer handbags. There may just be the perfect bag waiting there for you!

Ingrid is an avid perfume collector, experienced Youtube fragrance reviewer and prolific writer who has been working in the fashion industry for over 30 years.

I love nothing more than losing myself in the Harrods fragrance department to discover something enticing.