Nowadays, every time you turn around, a heritage brand is dipping into its archives to bring back a specific bag from the aughts. It started back in 2018 with the jaw-dropping revival of the Dior Saddle Bag, followed by the return of a pop culture icon, the Fendi Baguette.
Arguably, the House of Gucci rules when it comes to revivals. We’ve got the Jackie 1961, Diana, Horsebit 1955, the Blondie Bag, and more.
What’s Old is New
Just when we thought we’d seen it all, earlier this spring, we were proven wrong with the return of both the Fendi Spy and the Chloé Paddington to the runway. I mused long ago on how I thought the Fendi Spy Bag was primed for a comeback.
Vogue‘s Liana Satenstein echoed the same thoughts a week later, and three years later, our wish finally came true.
Out With the Old? Or…
After I wrote about the Fendi Spy’s comeback, my cousin texted me in horror, telling me how she had given a limited-edition Spy bag to Goodwill a bunch of years back. I nearly keeled over, but I offered my sympathies, as I, too, had once almost made a similar mistake.
Back in 2012, the Dior Saddle Bag was way past its prime. I had just graduated from college and was focused on cleaning out my closet and upgrading my wardrobe. A quick eBay search showed that my Dior Saddle Pochette, which had sat largely unused since the late 2000s, was now worth a mere $75 when I had purchased it for $350 in 2003.
Bummer. I couldn’t bear the thought of basically giving it away for free, so I shoved it to the back of my closet where it collected dust for five long years until the Saddle bag returned. Its worth on the resale market then? Around $1,000.
I was so excited that I never got rid of that bag, and even though I’d make quite a profit from it today, I would never let it go! Whenever I wear it and someone asks me about it, I proudly tell them it’s a vintage piece from my closet!
Ever since, I definitely think twice now about selling my bags. Have you ever let a bag go that’s now back in style?
I can see the board meeting discussion now… “Lets save money on design and R&D and bring back our classics BUT ask modern prices for them!!” “GENIUS”
LOL
I picked up a Fendi Spy in green emerald six years ago for $290. It was actually one of my first secondary market purchases. I’ve loved it for six years, but carried it less and less. However I cared for it conditioning the leather and all that so really, it looked better than when I got it. Fast-forward to May, I consigned and they listed it for $1095. I was like, no way — that’s too high, but figured it would sell after discounts. Nope — someone snagged it for the full-price a couple weeks ago. Minus fees, I’ll get almost $800 for it. Crazy! At least if it’s not in my closet, I turned a bit of a profit and really, I can pick one up again if I end up missing it.
I love older bags. I am tired of seeing everyone with the same handbags. I love the look and feel of the older bags. Plus they are less expense depending on where you look. Also, you don’t die when something happens to them like water spills or it drops on the floor lol. I just found a cool classic YSL cross body at a yard sale. Its authentic, I looked it up online and found that vintage YSL’s are selling.
I totally agree. I have a closet full of new and old and find I gravitate towards my old. You can literally not worry about it. I think practicality over price is a big one. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t help being a name brand junkie and I need a patch, but I want to use it functionally.
I’m still very sad about having sold my Gucci soho disco. It was in amazing condition and I still see people carrying it occasionally.
You made the right decision. The Gucci Soho was the chicken nuggets of handbags.
I see them carried everywhere; they are a very chic crossbody! Also, I just bought one and can’t wait to receive it and start carrying it.
What’s old is new again…. groundbreaking
I’m kind of happy to read this seeing that a lot of my LV bags were purchased 10 years ago. Motivates me to once again bring out the old!