Luxury rules rpelicashermes.com

ANYTHING below Hermes and Chanel is rubbish.” I burst out laughing. I am in a well-known consignment/second-hand boutique and talking to the owner on whether gently-used/pre-owned handbags were doing well, and she comes out with that gem. She adds that, no offence to the other brands, the fact remains that when it comes to resale value, if it’s an Hermes Birkin/Kelly or Chanel, whatever the item, you cannot mark it any less than what it’s worth. And you’ll probably get more than the marked price because it is all about branding, branding, branding. Apart from the fact that they are synonymous with the word “luxury”, their attention to detail, craftsmanship and their fiercely-guarded “name” allow them (pardon the pun) the luxury of setting a price because there will always be a willing buyer. When a luxury brand allows itself to be hijacked, mass-marketed and reduced to nothing more than a mere symbol, no one is going to bother paying top dollar for it, especially when it has been used. You think your “limited edition” bag from whichever well-known luxury label will sell? Think again. Limited editions appeal to a certain market segment, one that can obviously afford something like RM30K for an exotic skin, furry, prickly, whatever. This market segment does not shop for pre-owned goods unless – and here you have it – it’s a Birkin or Chanel in a hard-to-find colour, material or design. Apart from the fact that they are synonymous with the word “luxury”, their attention to detail, craftsmanship and their fiercely-guarded “name” allow them (pardon the pun) the luxury of setting a price because there will always be a willing buyer. When a luxury brand allows itself to be hijacked, mass-marketed and reduced to nothing more than a mere symbol, no one is going to bother paying top dollar for it, especially when it has been used. You think your “limited edition” bag from whichever well-known luxury label will sell? Think again. Limited editions appeal to a certain market segment, one that can obviously afford something like RM30K for an exotic skin, furry, prickly, whatever. This market segment does not shop for pre-owned goods unless – and here you have it – it’s a Birkin or Chanel in a hard-to-find colour, material or design.