From Hermès Birkins that fetch well into the six figures to limited-edition Chanel designs, certain luxury handbags have become true investments and must-have status symbols for the elite. While classic leather designer bags might start at a few thousand dollars, using exotic materials, encrusting a bag with diamonds, or producing a capsule collection in minuscule quantities can increase values exponentially.
In fact, the most expensive handbags in the world have sold for eye-watering prices up to $500,000 at auction. Their desirability stemming from a mix of brand prestige, model popularity, materials used, celebrity history, and availability. Let’s explore some of the posh bag designs that collectors obsess over and the standout factors that make them so precious.
Table of Contents
Luxury handbags. Best sellers
Hermès Birkin
Without a doubt, the most coveted, collected, and valuable handbag in the world is the Hermès Birkin. Even basic Birkin bags command five-figure price tags, while rare versions in special materials or with custom embellishments can fetch well into the six figures.
The iconic Birkin was supposedly created in 1984 when Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to actress Jane Birkin on a flight. After the contents of her overflowing straw bag spilled onto the floor, he was inspired to design a high-fashion leather weekend bag for her.
Hermès Birkin bags officially start at around $10,000 today, but there is practically no ceiling when it comes to resale values. In 2017, an Hermès Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin with 18K white gold and diamond hardware was purchased privately for $379,261, setting a record for the most expensive handbag sold at auction at that point. And most recently, an Hermès Himalaya Retourné Kelly sold for over $393,000 at Christie’s, demonstrating the peerless demand for these French luxury house’s rarest offerings.
While the Himalaya crocodile Birkin with diamond embellishments might be the holy grail, collectors obsess over any exotic leather or limited edition Birkins. Other examples that command eye-watering auction prices include:
- Matte Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile – This smooth, matte finish elevates an already exceptional leather. Christie’s sold one for $144,630 in 2019.
- Shiny Crocodile with Palladium Hardware – Contrasting hardware adds extra flair. Heritage Auctions sold a 35cm rose croc Birkin with palladium for $89,600 in 2021.
- Ostrich Leather – Ostrich leather provides distinctive texture. A pink ostrich Birkin 30 went for $72,000 at Christie’s in 2017.
Clearly,Condition and rarity impact value, but starting prices for the most basic Birkin bags still hover around $10,000 to $15,000. It’s no wonder that waiting lists for Birkins can be years long.
Owning this iconic handbag design from the historical French luxury brand immediately signals prestige and insider status. No wonder it’s so ardently collected.
Hermès Kelly
The Hermès Kelly is the second most iconic and valuable bag from the Parisian fashion house. Named after actress Grace Kelly, the Kelly came about in the 1930s when the future princess used her Hermès Sac à dépêches bag to shield her pregnant belly from prying paparazzi.
This elegant woman’s bag with its recognizable trapezium closure was officially christened the Kelly after Grace photographed carrying it frequently. An Hermès Kelly can require up to 25 hours of meticulous workmanship from start to finish. This level of skill coupled with storied history has solidified the Kelly as another must-have Hermès holy grail.
While not quite as coveted as the Birkin, the Kelly still commands astronomical prices from collectors. Christie’s sold a matte Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Kelly 28 with diamond hardware for $500,000 in 2021 – setting the new record for a handbag sold at auction.
Other factors that increase the value of Hermès Kelly bags include:
- Discontinued Leathers – Vintage leathers like Ardennes and Box that are no longer produced are valuable.
- Rare Colors – Certain shades were limited to specific seasons or regions. Blues, greys, and neutrals are sought after.
- Limited Editions – Special capsules like the So Black, Danse, and Marble Silk attract collectors.
Pristine condition, proof of authenticity, and attaching original receipts and accessories like lock and keys impact price. But Kelly bags that once retailed for $10k to $12k can easily sell for 4-5 times that thanks to brand prestige and collectibility.
Chanel Classic Flap
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel introduced her iconic flap bag in February 1955, hence the “2.55” moniker sometimes still used. This bag was groundbreaking in freeing women’s hands by including a shoulder strap. The rectangular Classic Flap has endured over the decades with its quilted leather, interlocking CC turnlock, and woven chain strap.
Regular Classic Flap bags retail in the $6,000 to $8,000 range generally. However, by using exotic leathers and rare materials, Chanel has produced limited edition Classic Flaps that collectors obsess over. Some of the most covetable examples include:
- Crocodile Skin – Shiny croc leather adds luxury appeal. A black jumbo croc with gold hardware sold for $62,000 at Christie’s in 2018.
- Stingray Skin – The unique and durable texture is a collector favorite. A black medium stingray Classic Flap sold for $12,000.
- Ostrich Leather – Signature “quill” textures make ostrich Classic Flaps stand out. Estimate: $15,000 to $25,000.
- Aged Calfskin – Darkened, distressed calfskin provides vintage appeal. Estimate: $6,500 to $8,500.
- Rare Colors – Shades like plum, merlot, teal, and robin’s egg blue attract collectors.
With Chanel raising prices yearly, the resale value of special and limited edition Classic Flap bags should only increase over time – especially if kept in pristine condition with the original box and authenticity cards.
Louis Vuitton Trunks
Long before their famous monogram handbags, Louis Vuitton was renowned for its luggage in the late 1800s. Louis Vuitton’s son Georges introduced the signature Damier canvas pattern in 1888, followed by the Monogram canvas in 1896.
But rarest and most valuable are the early trunk iterations Vuitton became famous for, including steamer trunks designed to stack easily for ocean passage. Models include:
- Zinc Trunk – AZD-patented waterproof zinc trunks from 1877-1880s are exceptionally rare. $200,000+ at auction.
- Aluminum Trunk – Lightweight anodized aluminum trunks produced from late 1880s to WWI are prized. $200,000+ value.
- Explorer Trunk – Large wood and canvas trunks were made for safari expeditions in 1890s. $50,000-$150,000.
- Wardrobe Trunk – Intricate compartmentalized trunks for gowns, hats, and accessories fetch 6 figures.
- Automobile Trunk – Early 20th century motor trunks with folding Rear seats and driveshaft cutouts are coveted. $50,000+
Any limited edition or celeb-owned monogram trunks can also command high prices. But the rarest and most precious fetch sky-high auction prices from serious LV collectors and museums for their innovation, scarcity, and place in travel history.
Exotic Skin Bags
Using exotic leathers like crocodile, ostrich, alligator, lizard, and stingray automatically elevates most handbag styles into a higher echelon. Hermès may be famous for its exquisite Niloticus crocodile Birkin and Kelly bags, but most luxury brands offer exotic skin bags for VIP clients willing to pay the premium.
- Fendi Baguette – The 1990s icon reaches 5 figures in editions like python or alligator.
- Dior Saddle Bag – In 2018, Christie’s sold a version in matte Himalayan croc for $44,500.
- Gucci Bamboo Top Handle – A black crocodile edition sold for nearly $15,000 at Christie’s in 2017.
- Chanel 2.55 – Rare vintage flap and clutch styles in luxe exotics can go into 6 figures.
Keep in mind, exotics like crocodile are regulated by CITES. Luxury brands must adhere to ethical exotic material procurement and use respected tanneries. But for collectors, the allure of exotic leathers endures when it comes to superior texture and opulence.
Celebrity History
Provenance is another way for a coveted handbag to become exponentially more valuable. Handbags owned by celebrities and historical public figures always bring more intrigue – and more zeroes at auction.
- Elizabeth Taylor’s Louis Vuitton Purse – A tiny monogram mini speedy gifted new in 1961 sold for $32,500 in 2011.
- Margaret Thatcher’s Asprey Handbag – The Iron Lady PM’s black leather bag went for $39,000 at Christie’s in 2015.
- Princess Diana’s Dior Bag – This black velvet and satin evening bag fetched $145,000 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in 2019.
Of course, the most elite example is the Hermès Kelly bag, which saw its value skyrocket due to its namesake Grace Kelly and subsequent endorsement by other royals like Monaco’s Princess Caroline. Ownership by recognizable names adds prestige that collectors will pay top dollar to obtain.
Limited Editions
When any luxury label produces a handbag line in limited quantities – whether it’s for a capsule collection, single season, or exclusive to certain regions or stores – rarity drives up desirability and resale value. Here are some of the most covetable limited edition bags:
- Louis Vuitton SC Bag – Created solely for brand’s New York SoHo store opening in 2007. Only 200 made.
- Hermès So Black – All black with black hardware produced in limited quantities circa 2010. Now exceed $70,000 resale.
- Goyard Belvedere PM – Released quietly in 2008 exclusively in Asia. Hard to obtain and highly valued by collectors.
- Fendi Baguette multi-patchwork – Only 16 unique patchwork versions exist from original 1999 capsule. Offered at $60,000+
To deter counterfeiters, fashion maisons keep limited edition distribution extremely exclusive. Finding and purchasing one of these rare bags demonstrates the ultimate insider status for collectors.
In conclusion
From the Hermès Himalaya crocodile Birkin setting auction records to vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunks commanding six figures, certain luxury handbags have clearly earned their status as blue-chip investments and positional goods. While classic leather handbags might start around $2,000 to $3,000 and cap out around $10,000, using exotic materials, encrusting a bag with diamonds, or limiting production to a handful of pieces creates the kind of scarcity and prestige that achieves these astronomical values.
Add in celebrity ownership history, associations with royalty, or being commissioned specially for someone like Grace Kelly, and price tags head to the moon. For true bag aficionados, the hunt for these extremely rare and precious handbags provides the ultimate thrill. And as auction records continue to get broken annually, they demonstrate enduring value and steady return potential rivaling fine art and jewelry.