Under the hammer: collectible Hermes bags

COLLECTORS of Hermes bags who are armed with financial muscle but lacking in patience may find it faster to get their hands on sought-after pieces at auctions instead. They’ll have a chance on Nov 25, when auction house Christie’s puts a rare selection of handbags and accessories under the hammer in Hong Kong.

The sale features over 197 lots, but apart from a few pieces of jewellery, watches, furniture, luggage and tableware, they are overwhelmingly represented by Hermes bags, reflecting the thriving market for the French luxury goods.

“We are delighted to be offering fashion lovers an array of ultra-rare and stunning pieces,” says Winsy Tsang, vice-president and head of department, handbags and accessories at Christie’s Asia-Pacific, adding that the auction is “curated to cater to the tastes of collectors and enthusiasts in Asia and beyond”.

The wide range of bags going under the hammer includes all four variations of the Faubourg Sellier Birkin – Snow, Midnight, Day and Night. This is the first time the quartet is appearing together in an auction, giving serious collectors an opportunity to own the set. The colours of the iconic handbag design reflect the changing facade of Hermes’ flagship boutique at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris at different moments in time.

Each of the four bags carry estimates ranging from US$110,000 to US$280,000.

Another highlight is the black calf box leather Feathers So Black Sellier Kelly 28 designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 2010. One of the most desirable limited edition pieces in the market, the bag features a black feather panel created by French haute couture feather artisan, Maison Lemarie. The bag has an estimate of US$110,000 to US$150,000.

Also on sale is the so-called Holy Grail in a handbag collection – the Hermes Himalaya. Made with niloticus crocodile skin, these bags are known for their exclusivity, rarity, craftsmanship and good value retention.

Last year, auction house Sotheby’s sold a Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30 with white gold and diamond hardware for over US$450,000.

The three Hermes Himalaya on the block this month are the Diamond Birkin 25 with white gold and diamond hardware (US$210,000 – US$330,000), Diamond Constance Elan with white gold and brown diamond hardware (US$240,000 – US$360,000), and Retourne Kelly 25 with palladium hardware (US$130,000 – US$230,000).

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Devoted Hermes fans can register to bid in person during the live auction, via Christie’s online bidding platform, through telephone or absentee bidding.