From rare Hermès creations to statement pieces like Chanel, the most recognisable luxury handbags in the world tell their stories with Sotheby’s and have been gracing many auctions with their presence over the years. Handbags sold by Sotheby’s are the closest to ‘objects d’árt’ any fashion accessory will ever come to. They are examples of tradition and heritage that are timeless, have attained cult status, and will always remain in style.
If you have a penchant for all things unique, read on as we uncover some of the most exclusive and sophisticated It bags coming to the auction this December in Hong Kong.
Luxury Sales Auction Hong Kong
Sotheby’s Luxury Sales Auction is set to reveal some most impressive treasures, just in time for the festive season. With extraordinary examples of the finest craftsmanship from some of the top fashion houses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, this auction inspires the gift of giving and celebrates the spirit of the season through the lens of rare collectible items pertaining to fashion and sets from the Métiers d’Art collections. From the 9th to the 19th of December, Sotheby's Hong Kong is bringing to the hammer a handpicked assortment of exclusive handbags, in an event that will mark the sale of rare pieces such as the Himalayan Birkin 25 and other limited editions. The auction house will also assemble a range of leather goods and accessories ideal for the festive gifting seasons, all available without reserve.
A Bag Like No Other
These handbags have their own chapter in fashion history and have become household names around the world. From the artists who inspired their designs to the stories woven into their fabric, these items speak volumes for artistic brilliance and creative direction. Crafted to stand the test of time, luxury bags transcend fleeting trends, their quality ensures durability, and their value continues to appreciate year after year. More than mere accessories, bags hold a profound role in self-expression and are arguably the most essential element of any ensemble.
Hermès and The Birkin
If you are a handbag connoisseur, you will have heard of the ‘holy trinity’ of Hermès bags by now – the Kelly, the Constance, and the Birkin.
The techniques used over two centuries to create the finest saddles are still alive today in the Hermès ateliers, where artisans hand-stitch and sew each Birkin bag.
Hermès collectors are famous for their deep knowledge of materials, colours, and models. To be a Hermès brand expert is to speak a unique language where terms like Jaune Ambre Clémence K28, Rouge H, Horseshoe Stamp, and Matte Mykonos Alligator B30 carry precise meanings.
Creating a Birkin bag is a labour of love and requires up to 40 hours of dedication from a single skilled artisan. The saddle stitch, a hallmark of Hermès’ artistry, is impossible to replicate by machine. The technique involves a tedious process where two needles pass through the same seam simultaneously, ensuring the stitch will never unravel on any Birkin bag.
The origins of the Birkin bring us back to a chance encounter – on a flight in 1983 – between actress Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then creative director of Hermès. When Birkin was asked why she travelled with a simple straw tote, she told Dumas that most leather bags were too structured for her taste and that she wanted something more practical and casual. This is how the story and the invention of the Birkin bag came about, and since its arrival, the Birkin has changed little in style or function.
Himalaya Birkin 25
Made entirely from Nile crocodile leather and hand-dyed to achieve its signature gradient, the Hermès Himalaya Birkin 25 is regarded as the holy grail of handbag collectors. What sets it apart is the labourious hand-dyeing process, designed to mimic the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas mountains. Because it is done by hand, no two bags are identical, and the dye pattern is unique to each piece, reflecting the artistry and precision of Hermès artisans.
The Himalaya Birkin 25 has broken records in the auction world, fetching extraordinary prices as one of the most coveted Hermès creations. Its rarity and high demand have made it a true symbol of exclusivity. From the careful selection of Nile crocodile leather to the delicate hand-dyeing process, Himalaya Birkin 25 is a reflection of Hermès’ commitment to design excellence.
Chanel’s Limited Edition Pieces
For collectors, the true power of handbags is their ability to hold their market value, making them as much of a worthy investment as jewellery, or art. From age-old classics to limited edition pieces, Chanel bags retain the highest resale values, causing many to wonder what exactly makes them appreciate over 100%. This might be due to their status as part of a limited-edition collection, a discontinued design, or their making from rare materials like crocodile skin, ostrich, or exotic fur. Today, Chanel bags come with years-long waiting lists. So when such limited edition pieces come to Sotheby’s for auction, it is cause for major celebration offering collectors a chance to secure a Chanel bag that is out of production.
Such is the case of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag with its signature quilted leather embodying the essence of what makes a Chanel handbag truly classic. Its value has soared drastically in the last 10 years, representing an increase of approximately 100% to 120%.
The Chanel 2.55 bag is another prime example of one of the most singular fashion accessories ever designed by "Coco" Chanel. Originally introduced in 1929, its quilted wool exterior was inspired by the saddle blankets from the horse races the designer herself often attended. In 1954, to mark the reopening of her boutique, Chanel reintroduced her now-legendary double flap bag, naming it 2.55 to honour the date of its creation – February 1955.
Sotheby’s Luxury Sales is a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship and artistry in the world of collectible handbags. Bidding on one of these unique pieces adds a touch of exclusivity. Owning one turns this special time of the year into a truly memorable affair.
