Are “It Bags” Really Over?
Ask anyone who takes an interest in the handbag industry, and they will tell you that the late 90's to the early 2000's was the pinnacle of the “it bag” era. We all remember the Fendi Spy Bag, which originally cost about $2,000, and still goes for about $600 today for a vintage version that is in decent condition. But these days, a $2,000 price tag barely raises an eyebrow, having long since been surpassed by giants such as the Hermes Birkin, some versions of which can go for as much as $60,000.
One could easily explain some of this away by pointing to how the luxury goods industry doesn't waver much in times of austerity, or simply put it down to inflation. Regardless of what the reason might be, all signs lead to the fact that the era of the “it bag” seems to be far from over, in fact, it looks like the original “it bag” era may have been just the beginning of something. If looking at the ever-increasing price tags of a designer handbags is not enough to convince you of this fact, you have only to look at the latest crop of designer handbags. The Spring 2015 collections boasted some very high-end specimens indeed, with price tags that would make the eyes of even the most discerning of handbag collectors water. Here are our top two picks from the Spring 2015 collections.The Gucci Soft Stirrup Crocodile Shoulder Bag - $32,500
While the more “reasonably priced” ostrich and python versions of this bag go for a mere $4,000 - $7,000, The crocodile version of their iconic stirrup bag costs about as much as a luxury car, and probably requires a similar insurance policy.Botega Veneta Crocodile Top Flap Accordion Bag - $15,750
You would think that this small to medium-sized shoulder bag with its low-profile classic box styling and minimal plain metal hardware would not appeal to many at that price tag, despite it's classic lines. But try getting your hands on one, they've all but sold out.