Handbag yourself a bargain

Can’t afford to pay the earth for a designer handbag? Then bag yourself a ‘preloved’ one instead, says Lisa Williams

If you’re anything like me, you buy a handbag in the seasonal sales, use it to death, then have to pick up another one six months later.

As much as I hate to admit it, this is a bit of a false economy. And while I’m sure there is a Mulberry Alexa with my name on it out there somewhere, the prospect of paying nearly two months’ rent for it leaves me pale.

That’s where BuyMyHandbag comes in.

The event, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday), is an off-shoot of BuyMyWardrobe, brainchild of designer Kal Di Paola.

Faced with a wardrobe bursting at the seams with designer clobber, Di Paola decided to hold an event where likeminded fashion fans could sell-on what they refer to as ‘preloved’ items.

“Our sellers tend to be fashion industry insiders and high-flying professionals who love fashion,” she explains. “The general rule is that any items that are sold through our events must be desirable (so not too dated), in good nick and have cost at least £100 new.”

Di Paola set up BuyMyHandbag when she realised that many people she knew had a handbag they no longer used but that was still in good condition. Often, when a handbag is well made, it can last far longer than those on the high street – decades even.

She says: “Luxury brands put time, care and craftsmanship into their products. Bags are handmade with the best materials and, if looked after, will last for years.”

Her top tips are to look out for limited edition handbags which increase in value – anything by Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Hermès, which are always in demand – as well as special skins and embossed leathers, as these materials tend to be more durable.

Holding the events has changed Di Paola’s whole shopping outlook.

“I am now addicted to selling and nothing remains in my wardrobe for very long. My favourite phrase at the moment is, ‘Buy it, wear it, sell it’,” she laughs. “My friends are forever asking, ‘Are you selling that?’.”

BuyMyHandbag
July 18
3-4 Archer Street, W1D 7AP
£20 for VIP entrance at 6pm and a Champagne cocktail, or £5 for entrance after 7pm
Tickets available here