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How Beat-Up Bags Became a Luxury Status Symbol

Bumps and scratches on a Birkin bag or Cartier watch are no longer repellent for a rising group of fashion consumers — they actually make the item more desirable.

Worn-in bags are luxury's latest status symbol. — Worn-in bags are luxury's latest status symbol. (BoF Team)

By

Joan Kennedy

26 November 2025

BoF PROFESSIONAL

One day, stylist and writer Amanda Lee Burkett hopes to add a luxury watch to her wardrobe. But when she’s ready to make the purchase, she doesn’t plan to head to the Cartier maison on Fifth Avenue to purchase a brand-new model, but instead, to buy

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About the author

Joan Kennedy

Joan Kennedy is Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers beauty and marketing.

In This Article

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Luxury:Leather Goods

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