“Handbags and couture garments are works of art, each with its own story. Our coverage celebrates the individuality of these pieces and the passion of the people who collect them.”
— Angel Garcia, Customer Success Lead
Unique risks for luxury handbags and couture
Delicate materials – Exotic leathers, delicate fabrics, sequins and beading are susceptible to scratches, tears, stains and discoloration.
Environmental damage – Humidity, sunlight and heat can warp leather, fade dyes or encourage mold.
Theft and burglary – Small size and high resale value make handbags and couture easy targets; stolen items may quickly disappear on the secondary market.
Transit and storage – Moving items to boutiques, fashion shows or storage units exposes them to handling damage and loss.
Fluctuating fashion trends – Some pieces appreciate rapidly due to rarity and designer popularity; insurance should reflect changing market values.
WAX handbag and couture coverage
Scheduled or blanket policies – Schedule individual high‑value bags or garments with agreed values, or insure an entire wardrobe under a blanket limit. Collections can include handbags, vintage couture, shoes and accessories.
Worldwide transit coverage – Protects items in transit for resale, consignment, cleaning or travel. Coverage applies from your closet to the event and back.
Automatic acquisition – Newly purchased pieces are covered automatically up to 25% of the category limit.
Agreed value and appreciation – WAX pays the agreed value or current market value (up to 150% of the agredd value) to reflect appreciation in the luxury resale market.
Protection for accessories – Covers original dust bags, boxes, authentication cards and designer packaging that add value.
Risk management advice – WAX experts advise on proper storage (use dust bags and air circulation), handling (avoid overstuffing and moisture) and authentication.
Real‑World Case Study
A collector’s custom couture gown was ruined by red wine when a waiter tripped. WAX reimbursed the cost and helped commission a new piece from the same designer. By contrast, a fashion influencer’s uninsured handbag collection was destroyed in a storage unit fire, and the replacement offered by their renters policy didn’t come close to the handbags’ true value.
Collector tips
Store properly – Keep bags in dust bags on shelves (not hanging) to maintain shape. Use tissue stuffing and silica packets to preserve form and absorb humidity.
Handle with care – Avoid placing handbags on the floor or exposing them to rain, oils or perfume. Ensure couture garments are cleaned by specialists.
Document and appraise – Retain purchase receipts, authenticity certificates and take clear photographs from multiple angles. Appraise vintage or rare items every few years to capture rising market values.
Ready to protect your collection?
Collectors can request a quote in minutes through WAX’s digital platform, and brokers can contact us for couture‑specific policies.
