Investing in luxury: The designer bags that have gained the most value over the past five years

As gold and silver prices steadily rise, wealthy investors are increasingly turning to alternative assets — from rare art and collectible coins to high-end fashion items. According to a new study by FashioNica, an online platform specializing in authentic vintage luxury bags and accessories, designer handbags have been the most profitable fashion investments over the past five years.

The platform analyzed retail price data, auction results, and secondary market trends to calculate both absolute and percentage increases in value. The study focused on bags, sneakers, watches, and jewelry, examining how collector demand and brand policies influenced price growth from 2020 to 2025.

The study found that seven of the ten fastest-appreciating items were handbags, with the Chanel Classic Flap Bag taking the top spot. Its value rose 93% from 2020 to 2025, climbing from $5,850 to $11,300. The Medium/225 version has become particularly rare, driving secondary market demand and pushing prices even higher.

In second place is the Louis Vuitton x Supreme Malle Courrier 90 Trunk, which shows the largest absolute price increase among all items studied. Its retail price in 2020 was $85,000, rising to $149,500 in 2025 — a $64,500 increase, or 76%. The rarity and historic status of the 2017 collaboration fuel collector interest.

Third place goes to the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Speedy 30, which increased in value by 75%. Released in 2003, it was priced around $2,000 in 2020 and now sells for $3,500 on the secondary market. Discontinued, the multicolor print bag is highly sought after due to early-2000s nostalgia.

Fourth place is the Hermès Birkin 35 in Porosus crocodile leather, an ultra-limited edition, up 73% from $37,000 to $64,000. Its rare black exotic leather makes it one of the most expensive bags in the Hermès line.

Fifth is the 2014 Chanel Graffiti Backpack, which rose 67% from $9,000 to $15,000. Released as a runway piece in limited production, it sparked collector interest willing to pay well above retail.

Sixth place goes to the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10-motif necklace in 18k yellow gold, up 46% from $7,000 to $10,200. The 1968 design continues to be produced, with prices steadily increasing.

Seventh is the Hermès Kelly 35 in black Togo leather, up 42% from $10,500 to $14,900. The durability of the leather and classic black color make it particularly sought after on the secondary market.

Eighth is the Chanel Old Medium Boy Bag, up 40% from $5,000 to $7,000. Released in 2011, its structured shape and chunky chain offer a modern, bold take on the classic style.

Ninth is the Hermès Birkin 25 in Togo leather, up 35% from $9,400 to $12,700. Its compact size makes it convenient for daily use, and small Birkins tend to show the best growth on the secondary market.

Rounding out the top ten is the Fendi Baguette (1997 “Carrie Bradshaw” model), up 34% from $2,690 to $3,600, likely benefiting from renewed interest in 1990s fashion.

According to Nikki Yousai, CEO of FashioNica, “The luxury resale market is projected to reach $51 billion by 2026, with handbags making up nearly 40% of all transactions. Buying Chanel, Hermès, or Louis Vuitton today is comparable to investing in stocks or bonds.”

She added that the sneaker market has cooled slightly in recent years: “Shoes that sold in 2020 for 10–20 times retail now trade closer to their original price due to increased supply.”