Two stories are shaping luxury right now: a US judge has permanently dismissed the antitrust lawsuit accusing Hermès of restricting access to the Birkin bag, and resale demand keeps climbing. Here is what each development means, plus the 1955 icon that remains the most in demand bag in the world.
Why was the Hermès lawsuit dismissed?
The case argued that Hermès violates antitrust law by restricting who can buy the Birkin, the house's most exclusive bag. A US judge has now dismissed the suit permanently, ending the challenge to the brand's famously controlled distribution.
The ruling matters beyond Hermès. Purchase histories, waitlists and quota bags are standard practice across luxury, and the decision leaves that architecture intact. In practical terms, the Birkin remains something you qualify for at the boutique or buy from the pre-owned market, which is where most shoppers find theirs anyway.
Why is handbag resale still booming in 2025?
2025 has become a breakout year for the secondary market. Resale platforms, online marketplaces and brick and mortar consignment stores are all thriving as both buyers and sellers join the pre-loved movement, a shift driven by price increases, availability and changing attitudes toward ownership.
When new prices climb and waitlists stay closed, resale stops being the alternative route. It becomes the route.
Why is the Chanel Classic Flap so in demand?
The Classic Flap is arguably the most in-demand bag on the planet, and its history explains why. First introduced as the 2.55 in 1955, the design stayed in production for decades and evolved into the Classic Flap, making it one of the most enduring accessories in fashion.
Its durability as an icon is also its resale strength: the silhouette never goes out of style, and each price increase at the boutique lifts interest in authenticated pre-owned examples.
What did the latest resale reports find?
The annual and impact reports agree on the headline: secondhand sales are booming. They also agree on the open question: proving environmental impact remains a challenge for the industry, even as circular fashion grows.
For shoppers, the practical version is simple. The market is deep, the supply is real, and the difference between a great purchase and a mistake is authentication and a seller who stands behind it.
Check back for new updates on the world of luxury here at Luxe Du Jour. Shop authenticated Hermès and pre-loved Chanel, read the full story behind the Birkin and the Kelly, or browse this week's new arrivals. We are luxury reimagined: authentic and accessible.
The Hermès edit
