Only one other brand, Chanel, made the list of the nine top-performing handbags.
Hermes handbags top the list of Sotheby’s most expensive bags sold at auction. Only one other brand made the list of the nine top-performing handbags. The Chanel piece was an alligator embossed Biarritz tote that sold for a record $106,350 last December.
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At the top spot is a Hermes Himalayan Kelly 25, recently sold last month at a Sotheby’s Paris sale. It was taken home for more than $345,000 and stood as Europe’s priciest handbag sold at auction. The previous record holder was from 2019, a Hermès Himalaya Birkin 35, which garnered a winning bid of about $206,750. Given Himalaya Birkins are rare and constructed from Niloticus crocodile skin, it’s no surprise they’re topping the price charts.
However, leather Hermes Kellys, which are not custom or limited edition, also perform well. In October 2021, during a sale in Hong Kong, a Gold Epsom Kelly 28 with Gold Hardware was sold for almost $45,500. It broke the record for its category just four months after the Sable Butler 25 with Gold hardware was purchased for about $420 less.
Other notable Hermes handbag sales include Ombre Lizard Birkin 25, sold in March 2020 for $137,500, during a New York auction. Meanwhile, a Himalaya Birkin 30 sold for a record $226,180 in July 2022.
Images from Sotheby’s.
