There's not really much greater joy than the moment you finally get your hands on the designer bag of your dreams. If you've had your eye on purchasing a designer handbag for a while now, the biggest question is probably not which one you want to get (we know you've already had that picked out for a while), but where exactly to buy it from.
Online retailers, pre-loved consignment stores, discount outlets, vintage stores, direct-from-boutique – the options can be overwhelming, and it's sometimes hard to know the pros and cons of each.
So whether you're looking to source a new-season piece, or you've been hunting down a deal on a rare vintage item, we're running you through our comprehensive guide on where to buy designer bags in Australia.
1. Direct from designer boutiques
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Location: various locations around Australia and online
Best for: new season pieces, personalised customer service, experiential retail
It may sound obvious, but the best place to try your luck finding the piece you want is to go in-store or online direct to the brand themselves. Most major cities in Australia now have a plethora of designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Chanel.
When you go in-store, not only will you get a premium customer service experience, but you'll also have the ability to try things on and compare items IRL to more realistically judge things like size, texture and colour – you can also be shown similar items, or have things ordered in. Most luxury and designer bag retailers pride themselves in providing a retail experience that promises to dazzle.
2. Cosette
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Located: Sydney and online
Best for: sourcing in-season pieces at duty and tax-free prices
Cosette's online store and boutique in Sydney are great for sourcing in-season couture bags from your favourite luxury designer brands in Europe like Gucci, Jacquemus and Celine. Cosette also has a strong social and environmental conscience, governance for which is outlined on their website in full for your peace of mind.
They offer returns within 7 days of your order delivery (up to 14 days if you selected their 'Premier Shipping' option).They supply a brown shipping box for returns when you receive your item to make it nice and easy.
3. Net-A-Porter
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Located: online only
Best for: finding a bargain and easy delivery and returns
There's a reason for Net-a-Porter's global domination in the luxury fashion space, and that's because of their ultimate curation of designer goods that you have the benefit of trying on in the comfort of your own home.
Exchanging and returning items couldn't be easier with a 28-day returns period – and if you can't drop off your item to the nearest collection point, they offer complimentary pick-up services for returns too.
Need to access multi-lingual customer care, or enlist the assistance of a personal shopping team? You can do both through their site, 24/7, every day of the year.
4. The Iconic
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Located: online only
Best for: same day shipping, easy returns, sales
They may not be the first name you think of when you think of luxury brands, but The Iconic have slowly added a myriad of luxury names to their roster over the years – like Marc Jacobs, Coach and Michael Kors – and their newly minted vintage vault by Azura Reborn is also a gold mine of pre-loved vintage bags from Chanel to YSL.
The Iconic offer free returns for a full 30 days from date of purchase on eligible items. If you need something last minute, they offer same day (3-5 hour) delivery for Sydney Metro areas between 7am and 2pm on weekdays.
5. SSENSE
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Located: online only
Best for: trend forecasting, sale prices, easy shipping
Global luxury goods retailer SSENSE are another reputable pit-stop on your journey to finding the designer bag of your dreams. The retailer often buys from up-and-coming brands before anyone else does, so it's a great way to stay ahead of the trend curve to see what's next on the horizon.
They ship internationally, offer returns for up to 30 days from delivery, and even offer free return shipping to customers located in Canada, the United States and Japan.
6. Vestiaire Collective
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Located: online only
Best for: finding rare, and out-of-season pieces, authenticated vintage
Discover the world's largest collection of vintage fashion on Vestiaire Collective's site, where you can shop curated closets of authenticated real-deal designer bags. You can make an offer on an item to score a great deal, and find pieces that you'll never get your hands on in-store.
You'll have to be a little more careful about your purchases, as sales from individual sellers are not eligible for returns. However, you do have the option of re-listing the item within 72 hours of receiving it where you will receive 100% of your sale earnings. Items purchased from professional sellers on the site can be returned within 14 days.
7. The RealReal
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Located: online and 18 locations in the USA
Best for: finding rare, and out-of-season pieces, authenticated vintage
The RealReal is known for hosting brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci and has a history and reputation for providing 100% authentic goods. Their process of consigning and buying is streamlined and simple, making it easy for you to purchase and sell on their site. Be sure to check for the condition of the bag before you buy – but you'll certainly find some incredible deals here.
Standard shipping fees and timeframes apply to purchases, and online and in-store purchases can be returned online (except non-member and cash refund returns, which must be made in store).
8. Farfetch
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Located: online only
Best for: large brand range, wide shipping options, in-season items
Farfetch has curated some of the best designer bags on their site – stocking over 1,400 luxury brands at competitive price points. If you're looking for something new season and can't seem to find it anywhere else, Farfetch nearly always has you covered. They offer express shipping and free returns too.
Returns can be made within 14 days of purchase, and are free at official drop-off points.
