We all have those cherished treasures tucked away in our closets – pieces from a time when luxury felt, well, a little more luxurious. Perhaps luxury goods weren’t as ubiquitous, making each acquisition feel more special. Or maybe it was the ability to indulge more freely. Whatever the reason, these items hold a timeless charm.
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Remember that Louis Vuitton Speedy you purchased back in 2005, or the Hermès Kelly Pochette you scored eight years ago? Beyond handbags, look in the jewelry box and consider the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace that you reserve for special occasions or the Cartier Love bangle that marks a special birthday. Ever wonder what these special pieces retail for now?
We’re turning back the clock to reveal the surprising original price of the luxury items perhaps hiding in your closet. Think of all the time and money spent curating the collection of shoes, SLGs, jewelry, and of course handbags from all of the top brands including Chanel, Hermès, Goyard, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier.
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What perhaps felt like a small fortune back then, just might pale in comparison to the current pricing. Join us on this journey through time and price tags.
Chanel
Recent price adjustments by Chanel have propelled the Classic Flap over the $10,000 mark, more than doubling its price in the past decade. Ranging from 2.8% to 8.3%, these 2024 adjustments were reportedly aimed at offsetting the brand’s escalating manufacturing expenses. But with such a steep trajectory of Chanel bag prices, it has us wondering – what if we had indulged our Chanel cravings earlier? The cost would have been a fraction of what it is today.
Reissue 2.55
Let’s start with one of the most iconic pieces in Chanel’s history, Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved 2.55 bag, which first debuted in February 1955. During the 1950s, Chanel bags were reportedly priced between $200 and $300. Specifically, the legendary Chanel 2.55 bag was said to have been priced at $220. Adjusted for inflation, this would translate to approximately $2,339 in today’s currency.
Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced this timeless design in February 2005, as the Reissue 2.55. Just two years after its initial release, the bag carried a price tag of $2,150. Fast forward to the present day, and the same bag is now available in boutiques for an eye-watering $10,800. That’s a staggering 374% increase in the past 7 years.
19 Handbag
Moving on to a more recent addition, the Chanel 19 bag, which debuted in the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, swiftly gained popularity. The design pays homage to the iconic 2.55 bag created by Coco Chanel, yet modernizes the size and silhouette for 21st-century life.
Initially priced at $4,600 upon release, the classic-sized Chanel 19 handbag has since been subject to price increases, aligning with the trend seen across Chanel’s entire handbag lineup. Presently, the bag retails for $6,600. Despite a $2,000 increase since its introduction, this reflects a significant 43% rise in just 5 years. It seems inevitable that this contemporary icon will soon surpass the $7,000 mark.
| Year | Price USD | Yearly % Increase |
| 2019 | $4,600 | 0% |
| 2020 | $4,800 | 4.3% |
| 2021 | $5,100 | 6.2% |
| 2022 | $5,700 | 11.7% |
| 2023 | $6,400 | 12.2% |
| 2024 | $6,600 | 3% |
Image courtesy: @lornaluxe
Chanel 19 Handbag
Ballet Flats
Turning to a standout trend for spring 2024, ballet flats are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Despite the latest focus on Mary Jane styles, the timeless appeal of ballet flats remains unmatched. And when it comes to ballet flats, Chanel leads the way.
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The iconic lambskin Chanel ballet flats currently retail at $975, edging closer to the $1,000 mark. In quilted calfskin, these shoes are $50 more, priced at $1,025. While both styles have seen only a modest $50 increase over the past year, looking further back we find a significant 77% rise. In 2008, these chic flats were available for just $550.
Read also: The Surprising Original Price of Favorite Chanel Items in Your Closet
Classic Card Holder
While Chanel’s reputation is primarily built on its classic handbags and ready-to-wear, its small leather goods provide a more accessible entry point into luxury. Besides, who can resist pairing their Classic Flap with a perfectly matching SLG? One of Chanel’s most straightforward SLG designs, the Classic Holder, is currently priced at $500.
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Back in 2012, the same Classic Card Holder was available for $310. Over the past decade, this minimalist accessory has seen a notable 61% increase in price. While this growth may seem modest compared to Chanel’s handbag price hikes, it remains significant for such a compact product.
Hermès
Our charts document the increase in prices for the uber-popular Hermès Birkin and Kelly handbags, from decades ago to right now. But those are far from the only Hermès items with price changes. Indeed, the latest price increase impacted the entire range of offerings. Let’s now explore the prices of some other sought-after styles in the brand’s collection.
The Birkin Premium Returns to Double Digits in 2024
Hermès Birkin & Kelly Prices 2023: How Much Have Prices Increase
| Hermès Birkin Togo | 2019 Price (USD) | January 2024 Price (USD) | Price Increase (USD) | Increase (%) |
| Birkin 25 | $9,850 | $11,400 | $1,550 | 15.7% |
| Birkin 30 | $10,900 | $12,500 | $1,600 | 14.6% |
| Hermès Kelly Togo | 2019 Price (USD) | January 2024 Price (USD) | Price Increase (USD) | Increase (%) |
| Kelly 25 | $9,350 | $11,300 | $1,950 | 20.8% |
| Kelly 28 | $10,200 | $12,000 | $1,800 | 17.6% |
Kelly Pochette
Among the most coveted and elusive Hermès bags today, the Kelly Pochette stands as a must-have alternative to the impossible-to-get Mini Kelly. Since its introduction in 2004, this clutch has steadily gained traction in the fashion world.
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Back in 2016, the Kelly Pochette in Swift was priced at $5,450. Fast forward to 2024, and its price has surged to $6,850, marking a 26% increase over the past eight years. While below the price range of the Mini Kelly, the growing popularity of the Kelly Pochette raises the question of whether it will see further significant price hikes in the years to come. Only time will reveal its trajectory.
Read also: US Hermès Price Increase 2024
Constance 18
The third leg of the Hermès trifecta, the Constance – along with the Birkin and Kelly – was designed in 1959 and to date remains a popular timeless accessory. Although not quite as popular as its relatives, it is sometimes in some places also considered a quota bag. And like most things Hermès, it too has become more expensive.
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In 2012, the Constance 18 in Epsom boasted a price tag of $5,950. Aligned with the brand’s latest 2024 increase, the Constance 18 now commands a price of $8,950. That’s a $3,000 rise in the past 12 years, equating to a 50% increase. Looking ahead – if the Constance achieves full quota bag status worldwide, will this propel its price to even greater heights?
Chypres
Chypres, Hermès’ chic interpretation of the dad sandal trend, emerged as a contemporary offering alongside the timeless classic Oran. Since the design’s introduction in 2021, the Chypres have quickly become one of the most coveted sandals in the Hermès collection.
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Initially priced at $680 for the all-leather version, the Chypres have seen a significant rise in price, now commanding $910. This marks a 16% increase in the past year alone and a notable 34% increase since their debut. Is this due an increase in production costs, as Hermès claims is the basis for price hikes?
Kelly 18 Belt
The Kelly 18 belt, adorned with the same iconic fastening as the Birkin and Kelly bags, holds a special place in Hermès’ contemporary accessory lineup. Embraced for its one-size-fits-all appeal and effortlessly chic design, the Kelly 18 belt is a star in an array of standout accessories.
Introduced in 2015 at a price point of $980, this timeless piece has witnessed a modest 15% increase over the past nine years, now retailing for $1,125.
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Clic Clac H
The Clic Clac H, a wider iteration of the Clic H collection, offers a statement piece from Hermès without the need for a Birkin. Hermès’ fashion jewelry provides access to the brand for new customers, allowing exploration without fully committing to the infamous ‘Hermès journey.’
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While the Clic Clac bracelet will not immediately secure you a Birkin, its more modest price can give you that more attainable dose of Hermès. Initially priced at $540 in 2008, today, the same bracelet retails for $780. This represents a 45% increase over the 16 years, which, in the grand scheme of Hermès pricing, is relatively moderate. However, the trajectory of the Clic Clac H’s pricing may provide insight into the broader market trends within the Hermès universe.
Goyard
Goyard – the illustrious French heritage brand established in 1853, continues to command the spotlight. Renowned for its discreet and understated approach, Goyard refrains from traditional advertising and maintains a limited boutique presence. Consequently, acquiring Goyard products can be a challenge, and deciphering their prices even more so.
Saint Louis
The Goyard Saint Louis tote, introduced in the 1930s, remains one of Goyard’s most beloved bags. Back in 2010, the Saint Louis tote boasted a price tag of $940 for the PM size and $1,040 for the GM in the classic colorways (more on this later).
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Over the past 14 years, Goyard has steadily increased its pricing, although not as drastically as other brands such as Chanel or Hermès. Presently, the coveted Saint Louis in the PM size retails for $1,710, while the GM is priced at $1,890. Despite historically minimal pricing gaps between the two sizes, both the PM and GM sizes have seen their prices nearly double over the past 14 years. The PM size has seen a substantial increase of $770 or 82%, mirroring the GM size, which has also risen by $850 or 82%.
One new change is that Goyard eliminated premium pricing for its ‘special’ colors in recent years. Of course, that means prices for classics rose, but at least for now all but some special colors bear the same price tags.
Artois
Another popular Goyard tote option is the zippered-top Artois introduced in 2014. At its debut, the Artois MM size boasted a price tag of $1,635. Fast forward to the present day, and the same bag commands a retail price of $2,540, marking a significant $905 increase or a 55% rise in price over the past decade.
Louis Vuitton
Now, let’s shift our attention to Louis Vuitton. Renowned for its rich heritage and timeless design, Louis Vuitton stands as a go-to for luggage and everyday handbags. Celebrated for its iconic Monogram canvas, LV epitomizes French fashion, both past and present.
Speedy
Louis Vuitton’s Speedy, originally launched in the 1930s, holds legendary cult status, despite multiple price increases in the past decade. In 2005, the Speedy 30 cost $560, now priced at $1,550, marking a significant 176% increase.
Fast forward to 2011, and Louis Vuitton introduced the Speedy Bandoulière as a contemporary alternative to the original design. The Speedy Bandoulière 30 debuted at $1,090, and it now sells for $1,890, representing an $800 increase or 73%. Meanwhile, at this time, the classic Speedy 30 cost $690. Since then Speedy 30 pricing has surged up 125%.
Neverfull
However, it’s not just the Speedy that has achieved top status at Louis Vuitton. The Neverfull, introduced in 2007 as a seasonal beach bag, seamlessly integrated into LV’s lineup. Loved for its laid-back vibe, whether used for work, travel, or everyday errands, the Neverfull stands as LV’s answer to Goyard’s timeless totes.
Initially priced between $575 and $655, the Neverfull experienced steady price increases over the years, mirroring the trends seen across LV’s entire collection. However, it was in 2014 that the Neverfull underwent a subtle transformation with the addition of an internal pouch, sparking controversy as to whether that warranted the subsequent price surge of 35-40%.
Read also: The Pricing History of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull
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Today, the coveted MM size currently retails for a staggering $2,030. Compared to its 2012 price tag of $850, that’s an increase of $1,180, reflecting a 139% rise in 12 years.
Dior
The legendary fashion house established by Christian Dior is known for its elegant and refined designs. And that includes its handbags. Dior offers a prestigious lineup of classic and contemporary styles seen on the rich, famous, and infamous.
Lady Dior
A timeless symbol of elegance, the Lady Dior epitomizes glamour and ladylike sophistication. Initially introduced in 1995 it was renamed the ‘Lady Dior’ in 1996 as a tribute to Princess Diana who admired and carried the style.
Image courtesy: @deimantekazenaite
Image courtesy: @deimantekazenaite
Back in 2011, the Lady Dior was priced at $3,300. However, the same bag now commands a retail price of $6,500. This represents a 95% increase since 2013, indicating a continuing trend of appreciation for this iconic Dior piece.
Book Tote
Transitioning to a more contemporary offering from Dior – the Book Tote.
Introduced as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Book Tote design drew inspiration from a 1967 design by Marc Bohan found in the House’s archives.
Image courtesy: Dior
During its release in 2018, the medium Dior Oblique Book Tote bore a price tag of $2,500. Today, this same bag has a retail price of $3,350. Over its six-year lifespan, the Dior Book Tote has witnessed a 34% increase in price. While it may not follow the trajectory of the Lady Dior, it continues to flourish as a sought-after contemporary – and practical design for Dior.
Van Cleef & Arpels
In the world of exquisite jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels sparkles as brightly as the gemstones it showcases. Founded in 1896, this esteemed jewelry Maison has mastered the art of blending vibrant gemstones with whimsical designs, creating pieces that are as enchanting as they are timeless.
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet
Among one of the most popular designs from Van Cleef & Arpels is the Vintage Alhambra Bracelet. Specifically, the bracelet, adorned with 5 Mother-of-pearl Alhambra motifs, in 18K yellow gold, held a price tag of $2,100 back in 2008. Today, it costs double – $4,200 in 2024.
Image courtesy: Van Cleef & Arpels
Vintage Alhambra Long Necklace
Shifting our focus to necklaces, the Vintage Alhambra Necklace adorned with 20 Tiger Eye motifs in 18K yellow gold, was initially priced at $11,200 in 2010. Fast forward 12 years, and its value has soared to $18,400, reflecting a substantial $7,200 increase, equivalent to a 64% rise in just over a decade.
Image courtesy: Van Cleef & Arpels
Cartier
On the theme of fine jewelry, let’s touch on Cartier. Perhaps best known for its Love and Juste un Clou collections, Cartier is a go-to for jewelry and luxury lovers alike.
Read also: Cartier Price Increase 2023
Love Bracelet
Undoubtedly one of Cartier’s most coveted offerings, the Love bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold was once priced at around $3,000 back in 2008. However, today tells a different tale as the same bracelet now commands a hefty $7,350.
This marks an increase of over 100% in 16 years. When compared to VCA’s Vintage Alhambra bracelet, which saw a 50% increase in the same timeframe, this surge is impressive. Perhaps it reflects the brand’s soaring popularity not only among jewelry enthusiasts but also with younger generations.
Image courtesy: @thebirkinboy
As luxury prices continue their upward trajectory, seasoned buyers may find the shock factor diminishing. Yet, a burning question remains – can luxury brands continue to impose steep price hikes? For those enamored by luxury, the allure often overrides any concerns about cost, and luxury brands are banking on this devotion. However, some clients are grappling with the challenge of justifying these rising costs. Regardless, the enduring appeal of luxury remains undeniable, at least for now.
Image courtesy: @hermes.addict
Looking ahead, brace for further price escalations this year across the board, with brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier likely to follow suit. While Hermès and Chanel have already upped their price tags, another round later in the year wouldn’t be unexpected, especially from Chanel. After all, the pursuit of exclusivity remains a steadfast driver of consumer behavior, regardless of the price.
Do these constant price adjustments keep you hanging onto once-cherished accessories? Let us know your thoughts on the ever-escalating price of luxury.
Read related articles:
Breaking News: Global Chanel Price Increase 2024
The Surprising Original Price of Favorite Chanel Items in Your Closet
Hermès Birkin & Kelly Prices 2023: How Much Have Prices Increase
Top 10 Hermès & Chanel SLGs That Your Bag Needs
The Pricing History of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull
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Updated: May 4th, 2024
Comments
1 Responses to “Uncovering the Original Price of Your Favorite Luxury Bags & Accessories”
When one goes to a resale site, is there a way to see what the original price of the item was? i.e. was that bag that’s currently selling for $40k originally $11k?