It is cheaper to buy Louis Vuitton products in France or Europe in general.  Goods originating in Europe are subject to fewer transportation costs and import duties in comparison to those countries outside the Eurozone.  Monaco offers the most competitive retail price for Louis Vuitton in the EU.

During the early 90s, the city frequently played host to what we used to refer to as upper-middle-class ‘ladies who lunched’; they seemed to wear a little too much Dior ‘Poison’, they reeked heavily of garlic and fish chowder soup, but were always immaculately dressed.  Such charming poise, whilst delicately flaunting a bag, wallet, belt, and/or scarf emblazoned with the distinctive Louis Vuitton initials.

Louis Vuitton seemed to encapsulate the zeitgeist of Irish society in the 90s: subtly, quality and pedigree.  At this time in our social history ‘celebrity’ was local, inconspicuous, and rarely did we look beyond the pond for inspiration.  ‘Influencers’ were homegrown Irish designers or models glimpsed briefly as they flit from boutique to office.  

A Refined Image

Louis Vuitton reflected an understated and respectable image which I associated with my grand aunt Gertie, a violinist with the National Concert Hall, who was never to be seen without her favorite LV Sac Vendome.  She wore fine leather gloves and carried this monogrammed bag in her hands on the shorter strap, never on her shoulder.  Its distinctive pattern trimmed in chestnut leather always reminded me of the Ace of spades, the highest value card in a deck, in being approximately 10” by 7”, it was a neat size and was of course expandable.  

It was the expandable nature of this Sac Vendome which attracted my fervent interest.  On her visits, my grand aunt Gertie always enjoyed a grandiose welcome, as any prodigal daughter might on her return to her native home.  However, I remember feeling distracted by the promise of what lay inside, as I surveyed the expanse of the Sac Vendome which aunt Gertie invariably nursed on her lap, I was always keen to ascertain if she had brought our favorite toffee bonbons or the lesser favored butterscotch toffee.  The bonbons were fat and round and yet it was not easy to see them bulging or pushing through the side of aunt Gertie’s Sac Vendome and I remember, even then as a child, taking stock of this notable characteristic of quality.   

Louis Vuitton’s time-honored heritage is undeniable.  However, in the early 1990s, although LV was a brand that garnered global respect, it was not something I or young people in general aspired to have back then.  How things change!

The reality today is very different.  So celebrious a reputation does Louis Vuitton currently enjoy that to own a bag or piece of luggage is considered the highest luxury and at the top of many ingenue’s ‘mustav’ list. 

In fact, Louis Vuitton projects a strong, confident image and is now profiled as a young, dynamic, and sophisticated brand.

The Hunt is on!

Hunting out specific styles from high profile luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton has become an industry all on its own.  Stylists and personal shoppers can be engaged to source the most desirable and most unusual of designs, succeeding where the mere mortal might not as a consequence of having contacts in the business.  Therefore if your quest is for the latest, most desirable, and yet most difficult to find a bag, commissioning a personal shopper or stylist to assist in this task is recommended. 

On the other hand, the best support and guidance can be sought in the Louis Vuitton flagship stores themselves; the staff will patiently guide you through your choices and advise you as to the best course of action in your quest; whether it be adding your name to a list or contacting branches globally to find that much sought after design.  

To the globe trotter shopping around really does make a saving.  The Speedy 30 currently retails on the Louis Vuitton Monaco site for 910 euro, which is, according to ‘louisvuitton.com’, lower in price than anywhere else across Europe or the rest of the world.  In Ireland, France, and the rest of mainland Europe the same bag can be purchased for 1,020 euro which is the second-best price available for this particular style.  

It pays to do your research before splurging and if going on a trip to France or indeed Monaco then it is worthwhile factoring in the idea of investing in a Louis Vuitton.  This is especially true if this was a purchase you have always intended to make anyway.  Purchasing a Louis Vuitton bag while on vacation in Monaco will make a saving on your trip overall.  Within the brand, there are annual price increases of varying percentages each Spring which means that if you wish to buy LV it is wisest to do so in the autumn/winter just before a price increase is applied.

Another bonus to the holiday shopper is the ‘Cashback’ system whereby a percentage of the initial outlay can be recouped.  If the shopper is a visitor to the EU and ordinarily lives outside the Euro tax zone, the VAT can be reclaimed.  The shopper can complete the forms within the store, they should have their passport with them, in addition to proof that they are visiting the EU in the form of a return ticket home.   On the return home the visiting shopper takes their receipts, purchases, and a filled-in refund form to the customs officer who will stamp the form as proof of export.   

Holding Value

A product in high demand has obvious drawbacks for the consumer: waiting lists for popular styles, annual percentage price increases which are frustrating while waiting for that specific design, and of course repetition, who wants to look the same as everyone else?  

Nevertheless, Louis Vuitton bags are undoubtedly an investment and can currently be rapidly liquidated as an asset should lean times descend.    It seems that many are content to wait to possess that longed-for style.   As for price increases, well it appears that is irrelevant as any LV will retain value once carefully cherished.   In fact if well cared for, stored in original monogrammed cloth dust bags, presented in distinctive LV packaging, and supported by proof of purchase, the Louis Vuitton bag will prove to retain if not appreciate in value and the initial financial commitment will prove an investment in the long run.  

If originality is important to the consumer, the company champions individualism by offering the discerning shopper the ‘Louis Vuitton Heritage’ range with a selection of alternative options to choose from.  The individual can personalize their purchase by making their selection from a range of interior color lining choices to equally extensive color choices in wrap-around braids and personalized initials which sit prominently on the exterior of the bag.  

When shopping for a new Louis Vuitton it is important for the buyer to be clever about how and where they acquire their bag.  Long term it pays to retain the original receipt as proof of purchase in addition to the receipt and packaging, especially as they appear to be such a fundamental feature of retaining value on the second-hand Louis Vuitton market.

If you enjoyed this, don’t miss: ‘Is Burberry worth it?‘

Few brands live up to promises made on billboards and magazines but some have a legacy of tradition and quality which upholds their name, their longevity is evidence of their integrity and worth.

Burberry clothing, footwear, accessories, and small leathers are always an investment; this iconic brand offers quality that will bring rewards in the longevity of service and pleasure.  A classic piece of Burberry finished to a characteristically high standard is a statement piece in any wardrobe.  

The 90s Campagne

As I remember, the 1990s witnessed a saturation of the Burberry brand, the company launched new fragrances and presented a confident, dynamic image of itself, to meet modern demands and sensibilities, which meant we saw pictures of Christy Turlington in elegant understated Burberry check, trench and tweeds.  

In truth, most of the intense media hype was associated with the Burberry fragrance launch and we all know how nauseating these aggressive fragrance campaigns can be; seeing the same advertising on billboards, television, in bus stops, magazines, in every department store and pharmacy was akin to being slowly tortured by the repetition of sameness. 

Pushy advertising consumes too much of our consciousness, big and in your face is not always beautiful and that is part of the reason I consciously decided to give this brand a wide berth.  What I found particularly unpalatable was the overwhelming message being driven home by the fact that this company had the wherewithal to make you remember their name.  Burberry seemed successful enough and did not need my support.  

I moved on to other brands such as Ghost, Max Mara, and Mondi who seemed to be more subtle and less obvious than Burberry of the 90s.  Being one of those people who prefers to avoid following the herd has meant that I consciously and deliberately, as Fleetwood Mac would put it, go my own way and do not like to be dictated to by trends, fashion, marketing media, or influencers of any kind.

If I am honest, it was those apparently vacuous trend slaves, the marketing agent’s dream victim, that really turned me off this brand; they seemed so easily manipulated by marketing media.  In fact, they did not give the impression of being able to select brands on merit but rather only really appreciated fashion when they had seen it on ‘celebrity.

Checking in With Quality!

However, I have to confess that I was eventually won over, in a fashion, by the clothing branch of Burberry.  The fashion brand’s screaming subtlety saw me eventually yielding to its powers of persuasion, tempted by the quality and timeless sobriety of characteristic checks and patterns in muted hues, only associated with this classic UK name

Burberry and its characteristic checks are subtle but always present.  I think the company designers have enough savvy to avoid saturating the market with the brand’s instantly identifiable and characteristic trademark.  In maintaining a muted palette of refinement and elegance, Burberry offers continuity of quality at a price which although not insignificant, is not insurmountable.

The Magnificent Three

The ‘Diffusion decades’, which emerged in the early 1980s, witnessed the introduction of brand subdivisions created by established high-end fashion houses in response to consumer demand for affordable versions of runway designs.  

This meant that internationally renowned fashion brands were in a position to offer their label, albeit in a slightly pared-down version, to the consumer who wanted to buy into the brand but at more accessible prices.  

The mid-level consumer could easily identify the look and price point that suited their lifestyle and as a consequence make that specific diffusion ‘line’ their own.  Burberry’s leading diffusion lines included: ‘Burberry Prorsum’ which strut dreamily hot off the catwalk, ‘Burberry London’ a more professional and sober line, and ‘Burberry ‘Brit’, youthfully suited to a more dressed down, casual image.  

Please ‘Prorsum’ Me!

In 1999 the brand further enhanced its image and reputation with the introduction of its diffusion line: the insanely desirable ‘Burberry Prorsum’.  A splendiferous monument of what can only be described as ‘fashion art’ or ‘the art of fashion, presenting life-changing concepts and designs.  I challenge any individual to wear these legendary designs and not morph into an upgraded version of themselves. 

These designs give one the courage and confidence to take on the world and become a better shade of human.  The joy derived out of every delicate detail from the topstitching in the leather cuff strapping to the flamboyant double collar of the Prorsum shearling aviator jacket is intoxicating and dangerously addictive, but alas it is no more!

Moving Forward!

Although there is now no differentiation between these lines, now that diffusion has been cast aside, all have been amalgamated under one household brand name: Burberry.  However, thankfully the exquisite and unique reflections, as expounded in ‘Prorsum’, are still identifiable today as evidenced in Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection as orchestrated by the brand’s Creative Director Riccardo Tisci.

Quality Counts

The luxury and comfort of pure natural fabrics is part of the reason why Burberry retains its corner of the luxury market, in keeping its promise of maintaining quality combined with functionality, a loyal clientele is guaranteed.

As you might expect, the long-established Burberry Gabardine, a distinct, robust, utilitarian fabric, which is characteristically associated with the brand’s classic trench coat, is the principal material that has graced every collection since its establishment of the company.  Invented in 1879 by the young entrepreneur Thomas Burberry, who first produced his all-weather outdoor attire in this utilitarian fabric, the Gabardine trench is now synonymous with British branding and culture, a classic style that is often copied but rarely equaled.  

A Company With a Conscience

Burberry’s reputation for philanthropy in the form of financial assistance and support to various charities betrays the company’s core values; dignity, honor, and integrity are fundamental qualities of this brand’s ideology.  

Added to this is the company’s ethical approach to sourcing materials such as leather, furs, cotton, cashmere, and wool which is evidence of its commitment to its reputation for integrity as well as serving modern consumer sensibilities.  

When you buy from this brand you can be assured that the processes involved in creating your purchase adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards which is a quality that is likely to ensure future longevity of the brand, as we all become more and more conscious of our relationship with resources and the planet.  

Personal experience has revealed that the Burberry product goes on forever and if well maintained and respected can be handed on to others, in the unlikely event that you tire of an item.  In fact, I have children’s clothes from Burberry that are still doing the rounds after 17 years, they have been shared between friends, are constantly worn and washed, and yet still like new. 

The Legacy Endures

Consumer expectations have not been disappointed by consecutive Burberry Creative Directors and consequently, loyalty has been retained over the years.  Joining the ‘steadfast’ is a brand new band of followers, who in discovering the subtlety of the 2021 collection, has found a brand to voice their identity and reflect the true image of their inner consciousness to the world.  

When you buy Burberry, you don’t just buy a product, albeit the most delicious item to enhance your form, you also reflect the values of a company with a history, morality, and worthiness which are sadly all too often absent in big business.  To be a Burberry customer is not only to demonstrate your keen sense of style and appreciation of quality but also to show you recognize and appreciate a system of values and qualities that never tire or age.  

If you enjoyed this, don’t miss: ‘Do Clothes Make You Happy?’ (Learn how to lift your mood with style!)

Buy vintage at live or online auction sites -eBay, Etsy or from individuals on Instagram. Charity stores, Markets, house clearance or commission a vintage fashion hunter to source a piece on your behalf.

The advantage of many online sites is that there are usually a variety of pictures and detailed descriptions of each item and therefore you have the surety of making an informed decision about a prospective purchase. 

The Best Online Sites

Some sites such as eBay have sellers who give a complete history of the item which is fascinating in itself and many are estate finds, as they are called in America, and these are usually low cost items because the sellers are often unaware of the true value of their vintage piece.

eBay has a large selection of sellers who are interested in a particular period of fashion history and if you follow them online you will be able to select what you want from that particular era.

Other sellers just love the romance and quality of items from the past, they might sell everything from vintage Mickey Mouse comics to coins and stamps. However, somewhere in between there will be a vintage dress or bag waiting to be snapped up.

The following are some vintage fashion ebay sellers:

• lucyloveslove_vintage
• sgh2274 (Victorian, Edwardian and 40s fashion)
• vintageviking1 (beautiful vintage dresses here)
• jemierose (a mixture of all eras)
• onlinevintageshowroom
• jamiexmas
• applebyvintage

Etsy is another excellent site which I have found to be very user friendly and the vintage pieces here are usually better photographed than on eBay and a little easier to examine online. 

In the past I have found Etsy to be reasonably priced overall and sellers are happy to communicate and open to buyers approaching them for a better price. As with any other online vendor it is very important to read the reviews and feedback of a seller before you take the plunge.

Key Search Vocabulary

Key search words are important when hunting vintage fashion. Buzz words such as retro will bring up predominantly modern cheap imported copies of original styles.

However, using the key word vintage before the items or the period you are hunting will bring up a vast selection of fine quality finds. For example entering key words such as vintage dress, vintage 1940s dress, or entering for example ‘1940s’ in the search box and refining search to ‘clothing’, not forgetting to launch the search as ‘worldwide’ will open a vast array to browse from.

Online Site Bargains

I have found featured charity shops on eBay to be very fruitful. In fact if you keep a close eye on these sites you can source real bargains.

Communication is important when dealing with these sellers. If you see something that you like, get in touch with the shop. These featured charities are only interested in getting the cash in, there is no emotional investment in the item which is good news for the buyer.

Be decisive and strike early in the listing before other hunters pounce on your find and take you into a bidding war, ramping up the price.

In my experience some sellers that list items are badly informed about the true value of an item and often dream up a price which sounds good to them but is in fact excessive or conversely if you are lucky undervalued.

Then there are the listings of job lots which contain predominately vintage items; these can be quite fruitful when it comes to accessories but when it comes to clothes, it is less successful.

Social Media

Instagram is a great location to source those vintage sellers at home and abroad.

It may well be an advantage to you to make contact with these online entrepreneurs to help them get to know your style so they can keep an eye out for finds tailor made for you; It is like having your own free stylist!

This site is especially popular for sourcing high end designer bags which are always a fantastic investment. If you care for your designer bag properly it can end up earning you a return on your investment. It is well worth scouring online vintage clothing and accessories sites for high end brand names such as Gucci, Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Hermes as these always hold their value.

Always ensure that you are confident that your purchase is the genuine article. There are many ways of checking that a designer bag is original:

• serial/date code
• brand monogram/logo and location on bag
• logo embossed stamp on leather and printed quality lining
• metalware quality and branding
• grain and surface of leather which should feel dry, not oily or slippery
• immaculate stitching of equal quantity, no back and forth stitches
• detailed brand catalogues

If you do your research and check customer reviews and an online seller’s reputation, then there is every reason to shop with confidence.

Remember too that when you use PayPal you have extra insurance if the product is not what you were promised.

What to Buy

A Gucci handbag from the early 80s for 50cent, am immaculate Burberry trench coat complete with plaid wool zipped inner lining and silk neck scarf emblazoned with the brand logo, all 12 euro, new Chloe leather T-bar courts a mere 25euro, Temperley silk blouse with tags 1 euro; these are all examples of vintage fashion finds as well as some modern classics from thrift shops.

If you have a good eye, follow your instincts about the piece and do not be afraid to ask questions about the condition if you are buying online. Most sellers are very happy to give further details and you may even find that you build up a rapport which may well lead to an offer of a discount or further vintage finds that the seller wants to show you and has not managed to get round to listing.

On most of the well know popular online auctions the seller will have a quantified feedback, so you can check them out before payment to make you feel more secure about buying from them. 

Choose a secure method of payment such a PayPal which offers insurance on your purchase and postage reimbursement, especially when dealing with new sellers in far flung locations.

Modifying a vintage item

Many items are made from the most beautiful fabrics, too beautiful to throw away but perhaps the design is not quite right for you.  Over the decades fashion has thrown up some very ugly design fads, which many from that era would admit to feeling embarrassed about having ever worn.

Some die hard vintage heroes believe in the integrity of the item and will never alter it, as after all, it is a piece of history.  Others who run immediately to the dressmaker or alteration clinic can be forgiven for feeling it is impossible for them to visualize themselves in mid 70s lapels, flares or 80s jackets adorned with enormous shiny gold buttons and shoulders radiating the type of power usually witnessed on an American football pitch.

However, it is better to make adjustments to a piece and wear it rather than cast it to one side.  I have fallen in love with items that were just to small for me or far too big and have made alterations to them to make them fit. 

Obviously it is a lot easier when the item is a bigger size and the remaining material can be utilized as a trim for another matching accessory.  If the item is far too small then the only option is to make it bigger which is quite possible with vintage pieces as they have a larger seam allowance.

If the item is way too small and you love it too much to live without it then I suggest taking it apart and sourcing a material as close as possible to the original, using it as a template and remaking it in a larger size.  Any quality seamstress would be equal to the task. 

In fact many well known contemporary fashion designers commission vintage fashion hunters to source pieces that they will make a pattern from, rework and tweak ever so slightly and reenter it onto the fashion circuit again.

Green Goddess

One of the benefits of being willing to buy vintage and working with it to make it fit is that you are obviously contributing towards the life of our planet, leaving a fainter carbon footprint, creating an original style that may be admired but would prove almost impossible to replicate or imitate as it is your vision and hunting that has pulled this look together.

Admiring stares, envious glances and head to toe inquisitions, topped off by tactile fabric sampling as you twist and pivot on the imperative: ‘Where; When; How much; How old?’

‘Wow!’

That is certainly what you will hear by the time your admirers learn the truth behind your high end original; that is if you choose to share and reveal the truth. An air of mystery commands the type of respect matched only by the quality and integrity a vintage item can inspire.