Be the envy of your friends and a friend to the planet
06 October 2023 With the fashion industry under heat for unsustainable practices, it can be difficult to know where to go to buy ethically and environmentally friendly items to add to the wardrobe.
Offered with an estimate of £8000-10,000 is this Hermès Birkin 35 rouge togo leather handbag c.2013. It is included in Lay’s Auctioneers timed online sale opening October 6.
Buying second-hand is a great way to reuse and recycle. One of the best places to do this is at auction where you’ll find a variety of vintage and contemporary handbags. These often come at a lower price point than new examples, and offer the chance to pick up rare, unusual, or even one-off designs depending on where you look.
The thing to remember is that, when it comes to buying secondhand, it’s up to you to decide on authenticity. If you're happy to buy a knock-off, there's nothing wrong with that, but if you're after the real thing, it’s crucial to check condition reports and if possible view the item in person before placing a large bid. For more information, check out our guide on how to spot a fake designer handbag.
Thomson Roddick offers this Gucci black Matelassé GG Marmont mini round shoulder bag with an estimate of £100-150 in its Ayr auction of October 19.
Included in Woolley & Wallis’ auction of October 25-26 is this large Prada vintage tote bag, which has an estimate of £300-500.
This Louis Vuitton Sologne handbag in leather features a zipped compartment on the back and an added engraved release pouch on the front. It is offered at Cadmore Auctions’ sale of October 9-11 with an estimate of £450-550.
For something a little different, try this collection of early 20th-century handbags pitched at £60-100. The central one is a tapestry handbag woven with repeating fruiting foliage against a gold ground with pierced brass fastening along with two further tapestry handbags, both decorated with lyres and wreathes.
A classic for any closet, this Chanel Maxi navy caviar leather handbag, c.2015, is included in Lays’ Auctioneers’ timed sale opening on October 6. It has an estimate of £5500-7500.
