When you step into the world of true luxury fashion, two names always rise to the top — Louis Vuitton and Hermès. But if you’ve ever wondered which one actually sits higher on the price ladder, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

Luxury pricing isn’t only about materials or craftsmanship — it’s about perception, controlled access, and how a brand makes its customer feel once they own the product.

At Value Creation UAE, we see these brands every single day in our Dubai showroom. Sellers walk in with Louis Vuitton Neverfulls, Capucines, and the occasional limited-edition piece — but when someone brings in a Hermès Birkin or Kelly, the conversation changes instantly. Hermès isn’t just a luxury brand; it’s a price universe of its own.

This shift happens because Hermès ownership signals more than wealth; it signals patience, insider status, and acceptance into an intentionally exclusive circle.

So if you’re thinking about investing in a high-value designer piece or even selling your bag in Dubai, understanding the difference between LV and Hermès can help you make a more brilliant move — and often, a much more profitable one.

In the luxury resale world, emotional demand is just as powerful as financial logic. Now let’s break down which brand is truly the most expensive… and why.

Curious to know which one's luxurious? Check it out here.

Why Hermès Is Considered More Expensive

Hermès doesn't charge more because of the name. They've built a system that makes their bags genuinely rare.

Hermès treats scarcity as a structural principle, not a marketing tactic. Production limitations are built into the brand’s DNA, ensuring demand always outpaces supply.

An expert artisan's handcrafted Hermès bag, taking 18-25 hours to make your Birkin or Kelly. Compare this with Louis Vuitton's, which provides a streamlined production. Now you'll understand why the prices diverge dramatically.

This slow-production model reinforces the perception that each bag is closer to a bespoke object than a mass-produced accessory.

We have noticed the waiting list culture that adds another layer. You can walk into any Louis Vuitton store today and leave with a bag. Try doing that at Hermès. Most clients wait months, sometimes years, to be offered a Birkin or Kelly. This scarcity isn't artificial marketing. It's based on the actual time it takes skilled artisans to produce each piece.

Psychologically, the waitlist increases perceived value — customers become emotionally invested long before the purchase is completed.

We see this reflected in the resale value as well. We often notice that Hermès bags sell for more than their retail price, especially for limited editions or discontinued colours. Louis Vuitton pieces hold their value well, but they are rarely as highly appreciated as Hermès pieces.

This price appreciation turns Hermès bags into tradable luxury assets rather than depreciating fashion items.

Louis Vuitton's Market Position

Accessibility makes Louis Vuitton different. They produce more bags and make them available to more people. That's not a criticism, it's a business model. LV wants its monogram seen everywhere, from Dubai Mall to Jumeirah Beach Walk.

Visibility fuels brand dominance — the more often consumers see the monogram, the stronger the brand recognition and aspirational pull become.

We handle a lot of Louis Vuitton pieces here in Dubai. Clients often bring in their Neverfulls or Speedy bags for resale after a few years of use. These bags hold decent value, if they're in good condition. 

Louis Vuitton’s strength lies in liquidity: these bags are easier to sell quickly, even if they don’t command extreme premiums.

See our detailed comparison of Hermès vs. Louis Vuitton for related insights.

Why Both Brands Matter in Luxury Resale

Here's something interesting: both brands dominate the resale market, just in different ways. They represent two opposing but equally powerful luxury strategies — volume versus value retention.

Louis Vuitton leads in volume. More people own LV bags, so more people sell them. The market is active. If you list an authentic LV piece at a fair price, it moves quickly.

Hermès leads in value retention. A well-maintained Birkin might sell for 120-150% of its original retail price. That's not a bag, that's an investment asset. Some clients treat their Hermès collection like a stock portfolio. In uncertain economic climates, tangible luxury assets like Hermès bags often outperform traditional investments.

The most common mistake Dubai sellers make is failing to authenticate the bag. Just last month, we regularly authenticated and purchased both brands. Our team knows the difference between a genuine heat stamp and a fake one. Authentication protects not only the buyer but also the long-term value of the resale market itself.

Here's how we actually check:

• Spot incorrect stitching patterns

• Wrong hardware finishes

• Counterfeit leather textures

This expertise matters because the luxury resale market in Dubai is flooded with fakes.

Looking for more luxury brand insights? Browse our guide to the Top 50 Luxury Bag Brands.

Investment Value: Which Holds Better?

If you’re buying luxury as an investment, Hermès wins without question. In our Dubai resale market, limited-edition Birkins in rare colours like Rose Sakura or Bleu Brume routinely appreciate by 20–30% within a few years. Even the classic shades in Togo or Clemence leather stay remarkably stable — we rarely see them resell below retail.

Discontinued runs and special collaboration pieces perform even better. These are the bags that often arrive at our showroom already priced above their original retail, simply because scarcity drives demand.

But not every buyer walks in looking for an investment piece. Some clients just want a beautiful, durable bag they can use every day without worrying about scratches or water spots. That’s where Louis Vuitton shines. 

Its coated canvas is far more forgiving in Dubai’s weather, and most people feel comfortable using an LV bag without the same level of anxiety that comes with Hermès’ more delicate leathers.

The Dubai Perspective

Dubai's luxury market has its own dynamics. Hermès shoppers here often prefer smaller sizes; the Birkin 25 outsells the Birkin 30 significantly. Clients want something elegant for evening events, not a work bag.

Louis Vuitton buyers trend younger and prioritise recognizability. The monogram canvas remains wildly popular because it's instantly identifiable. That matters in a city where luxury is part of daily life.

We also notice seasonal patterns. Hermès moves faster during cooler months when people attend more social events, while Louis Vuitton sells consistently year-round.

Final Thoughts: Which Brand Is "Worth It"?

Hermès is unquestionably more expensive — but is it better? That depends entirely on what you value.

If you’re looking for a piece that holds or even increases in value, something you can pass down as an heirloom, and a bag that represents the highest level of craftsmanship in the luxury world, Hermès earns every dirham of its price tag. These are the pieces collectors bring to us, knowing they’ve made a long-term investment.

But if your priority is a stylish, durable bag from a globally respected brand — without waitlists, sky-high premiums, or the fear of ruining delicate leather — Louis Vuitton offers incredible everyday value. Many of our clients choose LV for precisely that reason: they want luxury they can actually live with.

At Value Creation UAE, we see both ends of the spectrum every day — collectors letting go of Hermès pieces they’ve held for years, and first-time sellers bringing in their Louis Vuitton bags with questions about value. When you understand how these brands behave in the resale market, the right choice tends to become obvious.