Hermès has officially surpassed LVMH in luxury market value thanks to an exclusive, slow-growth strategy.

I’m sharing how my Birkin and Kelly bags are quietly appreciating—and where I shop for secondhand designer finds like Chanel, Dior, and Hermès.

Hermès just overtook LVMH as the most valuable luxury company on the planet.

And honestly?

It makes sense.

Because while Louis Vuitton is mass-producing monogram everything, Hermès is out here playing luxury chess while everyone else is playing checkers—with a boutique-only strategy, ultra-limited production, and bags that appreciate faster than a real estate boom in the south of France.

And me?

I’ve got two Birkins and one Kelly, aging beautifully in my closet—and one of them is very busy.

Hermès vs. LVMH: How Quiet Luxury Just Got Loud

Here’s the tea:

Hermès said “no thanks” to fast growth and flashy marketing—and it worked.

Meanwhile, LVMH’s volume-based strategy is starting to look… crowded.

Hermès is the girl who doesn’t follow you back but somehow has you rearranging your whole wardrobe.

My First Birkin: Joe, a Singapore Plug, and a Cinderella Moment

Five years ago, Joe (aka husband of the year) made something magical happen. He called in a favor from a coworker who had a direct connection at the Hermès boutique in Singapore. No resellers. No waitlists. Just pure Hermès boutique magic.

That connection is long gone (probably living in luxury legend status), but the bag? She’s still glowing.

That 35cm beauty in classic Hermès orange was my first-ever Birkin—bold, iconic, and everything I thought I wanted at the time. It cost around $10,500 in 2019, and today she’s worth $19,000 to $21,000+ on the resale market.

Side note: If I could do it all over again, I probably would’ve gone with black or tan for that first one—way more versatile. But hey, that orange still turns heads every time she steps out.

The Himalayan Birkin I Actually Wear (Yes, Really)

For our 10-year anniversary, Joe surprised me with the bag: a Himalayan Birkin.

I was stunned. Speechless. Emotional.

Possibly floating.

But unlike most people who lock theirs away like an art piece, I wear mine as often as I can.

I don’t believe in letting bags collect dust—they’re meant to live.

And let’s be honest, nothing brings a brunch outfit together like a crocodile-dundee moment.

And yes—one day, after a long, fabulous life, my daughter will inherit her and know exactly how lucky she is.

The Receipts: Hermès Bag Values Over Time

Want to know why people treat these bags like gold bars with handles?

Here’s your answer:

Bag Style	2020 Retail Price	2024 Resale Value	Value Increase
Birkin 35cm (Togo)	$10,900	$19,000–$22,000+	+75% to +100% ↑
Kelly 28cm (Epsom)	$9,500	$17,500–$21,000+	+84% to +120% ↑
Birkin 25cm (Togo)	$9,500	$20,000–$25,000+	+110% to +160% ↑
Kelly 25cm (Epsom)	$8,900	$21,000–$26,000+	+135% to +190% ↑

What This Means:

The smaller sizes are outperforming larger ones in resale due to demand, rarity, and that mini-bag obsession.

Kelly 25cm is especially hot—it’s hard to find at the boutique and commands serious premiums on the secondhand market.

If you were lucky enough to score one of these in 2020? You’re sitting on an absolute goldmine (that fits under your arm).

Meanwhile… my skincare routine, blowouts, and designer coffee orders?

All money out the door.

These bags? They hold value like a dream.

One Kelly Down… Still Eyeing That White One

I’ve got one Kelly in my collection…

But I’ve definitely got my eye on a second-market white Kelly.

Why not just buy one brand new?

Because I haven’t been offered one yet.

I’ve introduced myself to the sales associates at Highland Park Village in Texas and Fifth Avenue in New York, buying a little here and there—hoping my smile and personality open doors someday soon.

(Because my purchase history? Not exactly power-shopper status.)

And let’s not forget: bags from the boutique are significantly less than resale.

That white Kelly? I could only hope.

Where I Shop Pre-Loved Luxe

Curious where I score secondhand pieces that still feel straight out of the boutique?

I shop Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Chanel jewelry, and more at Luxe Du Jour—they’re my go-to for trusted luxury resale.

I haven’t asked her yet, but I plan on podcasting their CEO, she just doesn’t know it yet. LOL!

Use my code AMYPLUSJOE1 for $100 off anything over $2,000.

And if you have any questions about Luxe Du Jour, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I’m always happy to help a fellow bag lover.

“I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands, and a chain on your neck.”

– Ezekiel 16:11

Best,
Amy