Model footballer’s wife Claudine Keane’s collection of expensive Hermes handbags is more than just arm candy: it could represent a significant investment, according to a vintage fashion expert. The wife of former Ireland international Robbie Keane recently showcased a clutch of handbags – from French fashion houses Hermes and Chanel among others – with a value stretching into six figures. But far from being frivolous, buyer Patrick Coughlan, who owns and operates Ireland’s premium pre-loved designer boutique, The Designer Exchange , said the bags are actually a savvy investment.
And he estimates the value of Claudine Keane’s collection could increase substantially. Mr Coughlan told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘ Claudine has an amazing array of pieces that can all be considered quality investment bags.’ The mini Kelly bags are in constant demand, and in the resale market achieve multiples of their recommended selling price depending on leather type and colour.
‘Hermes is slightly evasive when it comes to declaration of price, as this is generally only quoted to customers when making an order. A mini Kelly, for reference, is approximately €7,000 base price and achieves resale of €15,000 plus.’ But the fashion expert said these prices ‘can rise exponentially’, adding: ‘Different regions can achieve even greater multiples; the US marketplace gets much greater resale than Ireland and the UK.
’ ‘For the Irish marketplace, this means a further limited .
