IN 2013, handbag collector Lara Rafiq, 47, sold her first Hermes Birkin. She bought it from a Japanese collector in 2008 and sold it for RM28,000 out of necessity because she needed the money.
However, not only did she manage to sell it for instant cash, she also made a handsome RM10,000 profit.
"I had it consigned to a secondhand designer shop and it was bought within two weeks. It was in pretty good condition; I used it with great care," she said.
"I was somewhat surprised that someone bought it despite its 40cm size, considered to be on the larger side for Asians. Maybe this was due to the fact that at that time, the Birkin was only starting to gain popularity in Malaysia," says Lara, who is using a pseudonym.
Lara is among a number of Malaysian men and women who collect luxury goods — watches, handbags and shoes — and treat their collection as a hobby and investment, especially when they needed cash fast.
Some collectors also sell their items when they don't like them anymore, so they can buy another one that they like. It's an evolving process and only collectors will understand this trend of passion and progression.
"I have sold quite a few bags, mostly because I wanted to buy a brand new bag that was in style at the time," Lara says.
EVERYONE CAN BAG
For Lara, handbags have always held a strong fascination for her, not only because they are useful, but also because they are "inclusive" long before the word became fashionable.
"Whether you wear a size 0 or a 12, you can still tote a chic handbag. And, in comparison to shoes — which tend to become soiled quickly unless the wearer is constantly walking on red carpet, and can be sold only to a buyer who wears the same size — bags are much simpler to clean and maintain," she says.
Melanie Hon, who owns Scoop, a secondhand designer goods shop in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, says luxury carriers are an investment, provided you know what to buy and look after them well so they can fetch a high price later.
"Take for example, the Chanel classic bags. The prices go up fast and there's always a chance to make a profit when you sell them later," Hon says.
Chanel is notorious for its biennial price increases, usually jacking up the prices of its quilted classic bags between 10 and 18 per cent.
Lara, however, is sceptical when it comes to investing in handbags.
"I don't think bags are good investments unless they're from top-notch labels like Hermes or Chanel," she says.
"Even then, only certain designs (such as the Birkin and Kelly from Hermes, and the 2.55 from Chanel) can command a high price, and this is further determined by factors such as colour, leather type, size, hardware and most importantly, the condition of the bag."
CALL ME CARRIE
For Ariezs P. Khairudin, her passion lies in shoes. So passionate is she that she has around 200 pairs in her collection, a hobby which she started 20 years ago.
She admits to making shoe contact instead of eye contact with the people she meets.
"Yes, I look at people by their choice of shoes first before I make eye contact.
"Shoes are a form of art and it completes and elevates someone's look and style. It magically transforms your attitude and lifts you — at least me — physically and emotionally.
"A woman with good shoes is never not pretty."
She says depending on style or design, whether it's a classic or a limited edition, shoes can be an investment. "But I don't invest on them. I buy them because I like them, and I have never sold any just to raise money even when finances are tight.
"I guess I just love them," says Ariesz, who used to work in fashion across different brands.
She has bought secondhand shoes before, she says, but under two strict conditions — only from her friends and that the shoes must not be worn.
She says the looming global recession may see shoe-holics looking for secondhand shoes to gratify their shopping appetite.
"I'm seeing a lot of pre-loved designer shoes in the market now, which means you can both buy secondhand shoes and get some money back by selling designer shoes.
"But to me, each pair possesses a sentimental value, so it's harder to just sell them off."
Ariesz's prized collection includes her Giuseppe Zanotti x Kanye West and Manolo Blahnik's Hangisi, which she wore on her wedding day.
Others are the Balenciaga booties, Bottega Veneta IIdo mules and Stan Smith x Stella McCartney.
PRIZED POSSESSIONS
For Lara, some bags she has bought over the years include a fur Fendi baguette, a YSL Mombasa in ostrich skin, a Prada in alligator hide, a Valetra Boston, a Goyard Croisiere, a Delvaux tote, a Gucci Jackie, a Chanel 2.55, a Chanel Reissue, and the rare Gisele bag designed by former British Vogue fashion editor Luella Bartley.
"I'll never part with my 35cm Birkin in Sable Naturel — a light tan shade — made of Ardennes leather, which many Hermes devotees consider the best.
"Hermes no longer manufactures this leather type. My Bleu de Prusse (Prussian blue) 35cm Kelly in box calf leather, an iconic Hermes leather that has been used by the brand since the 1890s, is another one that I will never sell."
Lara says despite the easy availability of secondhand designer bags, it is difficult to predict if the pre-loved segment will thrive.
"Yes, some of my friends have begun purchasing pre-loved handbags, particularly Chanel, because the brand's ridiculous price increase has rendered them even more unaffordable. But I am also aware that one designer secondhand boutique, which has been around for nearly a decade, is closing permanently due to low sales," she says.