What Designer Costumes Best Hold Their Value?

lilya · 10-04-2007, 03:23 PM

I've been pondering this a lot, as the market seems super saturated with Bellas at the moment. A year ago you could sell a Bella for more than you bought it for...at least in my experience that is no longer true.

What other designers are in such demand right now that their costumes increase in value even when used? Or even hold their original value? Will Bellas make a comeback?

Lauren_ · 10-04-2007, 03:33 PM

It's actually really hard to get your hands on a new Bella in the states, isn't it? No one is distributing any more. But I'm sure seeing lots of used ones.

Pharonics are classic & durable. But I don't know about holding their value if bought new -- even on major sale, it's $625 to get one from Dahlal, and used they only go for about $450.

Emans are holding their value at the moment. In fact, I see them being sold used for more than they cost new sometimes. But I don't know how long that will be true if trends change or if her costumes don't prove durable.

Hannan seems to hold her value at the moment, too, but hers are so affordable to begin with.

Too early to tell about Sahar, but they seem too expensive & too trendy to hold their value used.

leenanyc · 10-04-2007, 03:55 PM

"It's actually really hard to get your hands on a new Bella in the states, isn't it? "
-Lauren

here is a new Bella

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bordeaux-Bella-B...QQcmdZViewItem

aazura · 10-04-2007, 04:10 PM

I still think Bellas hold their value better than other designers. Just look to see how often her name comes up on these threads -- it's a good indicator of popularity and potential market demand. Used Pharonics and used Sims seem to go for around $450/$500. I think Great Loops hold their value just b/c it's a popular style. Used Emans seem to go for less -- or least that's what it seems to me.

Like any market, it will fluctuate. What's popular and hot today will be passe tomorrow.

tamrahennatx · 10-04-2007, 04:44 PM

I think it also matters if the style is a classic one. Even Pharaonics and Emans sell cheap if it's an obviously dated design, or on the wacky side.

Well-made classics will always hold their price, no matter the designer.

mekyria · 10-06-2007, 06:42 AM

I'm not sure about Bella, it's possible that dancers want a different look next year because everyone already knows the Bella look. It's very distinctive, so a designer that changes designs more often will keep a high resale value unless the look is dated.

80's style madame abla's are still being sold for $400, so who knows?

lizajuk · 10-06-2007, 08:23 AM

I think Pharoanics hold well because they are very decorative and you can appreciate the work that's gone into them. They also have a more classical and showy look than many of Emans. With Eman's..I think folks are interested in them if they are hot off of the press.
But also buyers do like the idea of getting vintage looks at present
I think any Madam Ablas floating around will only go up and up
And because many dancers find the "traditional" bedlahs are "expected" by employers and GP audiences those such as the Great Loop will always fetch a good price. Added to which they are more versatile and adaptable than a dress or 2 piece.
MMmmmm I love my Amira dress , Madam Abla signature 2 piece and Gold Great Loop

Nepenthe · 10-06-2007, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leenanyc

"It's actually really hard to get your hands on a new Bella in the states, isn't it? "
-Lauren

here is a new Bella

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bordeaux-Bella-B...QQcmdZViewItem

That's Lilya's bella, in fact.

mish_mish · 10-07-2007, 08:58 AM

L.Rose trumpet skirts and Akai veils seem to have no trouble holding value as well.

dunyah · 10-07-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leenanyc

"It's actually really hard to get your hands on a new Bella in the states, isn't it? "
-Lauren

here is a new Bella

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bordeaux-Bella-B...QQcmdZViewItem

Beautiful costume!

jesennia · 10-07-2007, 01:29 PM

tee hee us little people :) i love Lrose..

I may get flogged for this..I love Bellas but love Sims even more as i see more variety in Sims and love the encrusted beaded look. but then again 've never been to the Bella shop to see everything she has..

was it two years ago those scarab Emans were in demand? i had one briefly that ended up being too big and sold it again within a few minutes.

agree on the harder-to-get = higher price..I'm not as likely to seek out a pharoanics because i can buy one easily from dahlal or bhuz swap ..but a sim in my size I'll hunt down like a hawk especially since i don't want to buy it new and would prefer to save a few bucks

Lauren_ · 10-08-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leenanyc

"It's actually really hard to get your hands on a new Bella in the states, isn't it? "
-Lauren

here is a new Bella

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bordeaux-Bella-B...QQcmdZViewItem

What I meant was that no one is importing Bellas in quanitity and retailing them at the moment.

Dahlal used to carry them, then Belly Dance Shop, but at the moment I don't think there is anyone.

Lauren_ · 10-08-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesennia

..I'm not as likely to seek out a pharoanics because i can buy one easily from dahlal or bhuz swap ..but a sim in my size I'll hunt down like a hawk

FYI - you can get Sims from Dahlal, too, they're sold as "Oriental Originals." IMO the price is just too high, though, I'd rather order them directly.

lilya · 10-08-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nepenthe

That's Lilya's bella, in fact.

And it's clearly not holding its price well!

I guess it's too much of a trendy costume...or a weird size...or something. <sigh>

I have to say that Pharaonics are, hands down, my favorites, and they seem to hold their value pretty well. I'm done with Bellas; love the styles on other people, but they just don't seem that flattering to my shape. (Though I may change my mind when my custom order is in my hands tomorrow).

rakkasah_barbara · 10-08-2007, 10:21 AM

When I visited the Bella store last August she did have non signature curl costumes, though those were the ones in the highest price range and I believe expecially made for their annual big sell in Germany. So she does makes some more modern and un-Bella-like costumes, look at Didem's costumes for instance..

B

Lauren_ · 10-08-2007, 10:29 AM

It's a beautiful costume, Lilya! But I think it's hard to resell a brand-new costume for close to its original price. Just like cars, even a car that holds its value well will lose 25-50% the instant it's driven off the showroom floor. After that it'll hold it's value well.

I don't like to pay new prices for costumes from individuals, even if the costume's new. I can't return it. I can't call you & demand repairs, compensation or a replacement if it starts falling apart right away. I can't report you to the Better Business Bureau if I feel cheated. I'll personally only pay new prices to businesses, not individuals, for those reasons.

But don't lose hope. People do pay near-new prices on the swap meet and on e-bay sometimes. You just have to find the buyer who REALLY wants that particular costume. I think it just takes longer.

shimarella · 10-08-2007, 10:53 AM

Interesting question. I think certain designer "names" hold their value well just for the name recognition... Ablas and Bellas particularly. I agree that Bellas and SIMS are very recognizable and ( at least for now) will hold up quite well until the costume trend radically changes. But it's a certain look that people associate with the costumes that's holding up well. I'm having a hell of a time selling this gorgeous Bella bedleh because it's like a classic fringey bedleh, so it's not what people have in their minds when they think Bella. Sigh.
I think Emans and Pharaonics have so much variety in their design lines that I would have to be told what I'm looking at before recognising them, even if I like them just for the product.... er did that make sense? Especially since designers like Hanan are producing more affordable sleek costumes that are similiar ( though not knock-offs!)