In the world of high fashion and luxury accessories, Hermès stands unrivaled, and 2023 saw some remarkable auctions at Sotheby’s that underscored this prestige. Among the top 10 most expensive Hermès bags sold, an intriguing pattern emerged: each bag was either a Birkin or a Kelly, reflecting the timeless allure of these iconic designs.
The selection of the most coveted Hermès bags of 2023 was a blend of contemporary elegance and timeless rarity. Leading the pack were several newer limited edition models, coveted for their exclusivity and craftsmanship. These bags commanded impressive prices, setting new benchmarks in the auction market.
Beyond the elite ten, the trend continued with Birkin and Kelly bags dominating the list of subsequent top sellers. Their enduring popularity and scarcity have transformed these handbags into not just fashion accessories but valuable assets, capable of generating substantial returns.
As the luxury market continues to evolve, the Hermès Birkin and Kelly remain steadfast symbols of opulence and exclusivity. Their consistent performance at auction is a testament to their timeless appeal and enduring investment potential. Let’s delve into the extraordinary collection of handbags that commanded record-breaking prices at auction:
1.Birkin 20 Faubourg Neige Sellier Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware sold for $280,670 Despite a slight cooling of prices since its 2022 peak, the Snow or Neige Birkin 20 Faubourg remains a white-hot collector’s item. A 2021 Snow Faubourg, distinguished by its full matte alligator body, clinched the title of most expensive Hermès bag sold at auction in 2023, fetching just over $280,000 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April.
2. Kelly 32 Feather So Black sold for $264,160 The So Black collection, a brainchild of former Hermès creative director Jean-Paul Gaultier, stands as a pinnacle of the brand’s limited-edition offerings. Unveiled in his final runway show for the house in 2010, this collection is renowned for its monochromatic opulence. Distinguished by its all-black aesthetic, including the revolutionary black PVD hardware, the So Black Kelly 32 Sellier is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Adorned with hand-applied black feathers sourced from Maison Lemarié, this bag represents a harmonious fusion of luxury and artistry, marking an unforgettable chapter in fashion history.
3. Mini Kelly 20 II Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile White Gold and Diamond Hardware, 2023 sold for $214,630. Claiming the third spot on the 2023 auction rankings is the dazzling Mini Kelly in Shiny Crocodile Black, adorned with diamonds and fresh from the Hermès boutique. This petite powerhouse epitomizes luxury and is a must-have for discerning collectors seeking the ultimate evening accessory. Hermès’ commitment to excellence is evident in the use of only VVS F diamonds and 18K white gold for its bejeweled creations.
4. Birkin 25 Himalaya White Matte Niloticus Crocodile, 2020 sold for $198,120. The Birkin 25 Himalaya is an enduring icon in the realm of luxury handbags, consistently ranking among the most coveted and expensive Hermès creations. While whispers of its allure circulated among a select few collectors, it wasn’t until its 2010 runway debut under Jean-Paul Gaultier that the Himalaya Birkin achieved global superstar status. Although accessibility has improved slightly since its peak desirability, securing a Birkin Himalaya remains a formidable challenge for most, with demand far outstripping supply.
5. Birkin 25 Bleu Jean Shiny Porosus Crocodile 18K White Gold and Diamond Hardware, 2006 sold for $198,120. A Birkin 25 in shimmering Bleu Jean crocodile, adorned with diamonds, secured the second spot on the 2023 most expensive Hermès bags list. Diamond-studded Birkins and Kellys are the rarest of the rare, with few ever surfacing on the secondary market. Housed in a dedicated box with a fitted interior and accompanied by its own case for the coveted Cadena lock, these bejeweled beauties command astronomical retail prices. While non-Himalaya Diamond Birkins typically sell in the $70,000 to $200,000 range, this particular 2006 piece fetched nearly $200,000 at auction, a testament to its exceptional allure and significant appreciation in value.
6. Kelly 28 Himalaya White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Retourne Palladium Hardware, 2021 sold for $181,610 The Himalaya Kelly is another perennial contender for the title of most expensive Hermès bag. A 2022 Kelly 25 Himalaya commanded over $380,000 at auction that same year, while a 2021 Kelly 28 Himalaya fetched just over $180,000 in 2023. Although prices have cooled slightly from their 2022 peak, demand for pristine Himalaya Kellys, particularly the coveted 25cm size, remains exceptionally strong.
7. Birkin 20 Faubourg Midnight Sellier Matte Alligator Black Pvd Hardware, 2022 sold for $166,800. The Midnight Birkin 20 Faubourg, cloaked in black Swift leather with a matte black alligator flap and distinguished by its black PVD hardware, is the fourth limited edition in this coveted series. While not commanding the same astronomical prices as its Snow counterpart, the Midnight Faubourg holds its value, trading at levels comparable to early 2019 releases. Previous iterations, the Day and Night Faubourgs, achieved auction prices between $160,000 and $180,000 in 2021 and 2022.
The Spring 2024 runway unveiled a groundbreaking all-leather Birkin 20 Faubourg, featuring a playful design of windows and awnings against a black Swift backdrop. While initial excitement is expected, prices for this novel interpretation are unlikely to reach the stratospheric heights of previous limited editions.
8. Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Shiny Porosus Crocodile18K White Gold and Diamond Hardware, 2014 sold for $156,845 . A dazzling Birkin 30 in Bleu Electrique Shiny Crocodile, crafted in 2014, occupies the third spot on our diamond Hermès bag ranking. While non-Himalayan diamond Birkins typically command prices between $100,000 and $200,000, influenced by size, color, age, and condition, this particular model exemplifies the bold aesthetic favored by many diamond bag collectors. The allure of brighter hues and lustrous crocodile skin distinguishes these pieces from their more understated counterparts.
In contrast, collectors seeking a subtler diamond Hermès bag often gravitate towards the iconic Himalaya, though at a significantly higher price point. Retailing for approximately $200,000 compared to $100,000 for a standard diamond crocodile Birkin, the Himalaya’s allure is reflected in its secondary market value, which frequently surpasses $400,000.
9. Mini Kelly 20 I Rose Bonbon Shiny Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware, 1997 sold for $156,845. A venerable 1997 Mini Kelly 20 I in Rose Bonbon Shiny Porosus Crocodile, adorned with gold hardware, claims the title of oldest bag on our top 10 list. This exceptionally rare vintage gem far exceeded its estimated price of $39,000 to $65,000, eclipsing the record set by a 1998 Vert Emerald Shiny Alligator Mini Kelly 20 I, which sold for $53,340 in March 2023.
The first-generation Mini Kelly 20, distinguished by its original bracelet handle, offers unparalleled comfort and practicality compared to its successor. The wider depth and slightly taller height of this model also provide ample storage space, enhancing its appeal to collectors.
10. Hermès Kelly 22 Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere Palladium Hardware, 2022 sold for $148,590. The Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere is a masterpiece of Hermès craftsmanship and innovation. Introduced in 2020 as a new 22cm size, this limited edition Kelly is a departure from traditional leather. Crafted with a solid beechwood base and adorned with a Bauhaus-inspired “Perspective Cavalier” pattern, the bag showcases an extraordinary level of marquetry artistry. Composed of 60 meticulously cut leather pieces in eleven different colors, the front panel is a testament to Hermès’ unparalleled expertise. The Fauve Barenia leather flap with contrasting white stitching further emphasizes the bag’s refined elegance. As one of the rarest Hermès collectibles, the Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere stands as a coveted trophy for discerning collectors.
