Madison Avenue Couture CEO Judy Taylor details why she resells luxury goods

As global markets have become increasingly unpredictable, luxury accessories have seen steady growth in sales.

The recategorization of luxury goods — especially luxury handbags — has a lot to do with how financial investments are perceived, from frivolous purchases to sustainable investments.

Volatile stock markets have created opportunities for alternative assets within portfolios. With limited edition handbags selling for a premium and their value increasing over time, they have surprisingly become one of the safer options.

With a global market value of $72 billion, which is expected to reach $100 billion by 2026, it’s clear that this emerging class of products isn’t going anywhere.

And while demand increases, supply doesn’t keep up, driving up prices in the secondary market.

These factors have created a niche market opportunity for haute luxury goods within the broader sector, led by players such as New York’s Madison Avenue Couture.

Founded in 2010 by CEO Judy Taylor, the pioneering company’s diverse set of rare luxury handbags—physically located in stores—quickly gained traction among a new breed of luxury buyer investors, and Madison Ave Couture soon began popping up boutiques on La Rue. La.

Within a year and a half, Judy’s brand caught Gilt’s attention, leading to a mutually beneficial three-year partnership that put the luxury reseller on the map.

After thirteen years in business, Madison Avenue Couture has earned a reputation as the gold standard in the luxury handbag resale space.

Focusing on highly sought-after brands such as Hermès and Chanel, discerning local and international shoppers recognize Madison Avenue Couture’s curated handbag collection.

Whether shopping online or in its NYC showroom, fashion enthusiasts and lifelong aficionados—whose personal reserves rival those of most luxury vintage stores—can always find what they’re looking for.

As with any resale item, authenticity is paramount due to the massive counterfeit market that has reached $3 trillion.

Madison Avenue Couture follows a thorough three-step authentication process—consisting of two in-house checks and a third-party one—ensuring that each bag’s condition is as advertised, proper documentation is provided, and the bag customers see on the website is the correct one. will receive.

Taylor explained: ‘Our edge is our ownership, and we actually have all the items listed on hand and can be shipped to buyers’ homes within one to two days of the sale’.

Since physical possession of the bag in question is rare in the industry, this competitive edge is a major game-changer for buyers.

Whether shipping internationally or coming to the New York showroom for pickup, customers will receive their purchases as fast as Amazon Prime orders.

For clients who prefer to test out their pieces before buying, the showroom in downtown New York City – which opened in 2020 – allows customers to ‘try before they buy’ while receiving support and advice from the team’s experts.

And those who can’t travel to the showroom can schedule a FaceTime appointment with Madison Avenue Couture’s luxury experts to check out the merchandise.

Such concierge services are a key differentiator for shoppers who expect their shopping experience to match their purchasing power.

Madison Avenue Couture’s unique inventory of rare bags attracts high-end collectors more than anything else. ‘Details and rarity, these specifics are really important to our clients,’ adds Alexis Klerber, vice president of sales and marketing.

In addition, the company accommodates those new to the space or those just starting to build their collection by providing education and helping them find the best fit for their specific needs.

For example, if a husband wants to surprise his wife with a dream kelly bag, the team can help him throughout the process, even offering an option to FaceTime to view the possibilities on video.

Recognized as a leading reseller of Hermès, the company is renowned in the space for sourcing some of the rarest pieces in the world, including the recently sold Birkin Himalaya with diamond hardware, which cost $550,000 (setting a record).

Also, because of Hermès’ complex buying policy, which often involves long hours and purchasing various fillers, Madison Avenue Couture’s concierge service is an equally luxurious but welcoming option that doesn’t require a waiting list.

Whether it’s sustainable style or a step toward change, fashion is constantly in flux, responding to the world as it evolves.

As the changing global economy causes uncertainty across markets, investing in luxury handbags, whose value has consistently proven to stand the test of time—even outperforming stocks from time to time—has become increasingly popular. In fact, the price of luxury handbags has increased by 92% over the past decade.

Madison Avenue Couture continues to expand its inventory range and quickly respond to trends and customer demand, the company is at the forefront of the luxury reselling game and this growing category of investment.