Christie’s Private Sale of Iconic Hermès Handbags

Christie’s New York presents Iconic Handbags: A Private Selling Exhibition, a format that reflects the evolving structure of the ultra luxury handbag market. Rather than a public auction driven by competitive bidding, this salon style presentation prioritizes discretion, immediacy, and curatorial rigor. Clients are invited to view a tightly edited selection of museum quality handbags in person and, if desired, acquire pieces directly, with the ability to take them home the same day.

The exhibition centers on Hermès, whose handbags have transcended fashion to become long term cultural and financial assets. Christie’s approach emphasizes provenance, condition, rarity, and craftsmanship, positioning these bags not as seasonal accessories but as enduring objects of value. In an era where the secondary luxury market is crowded with digital platforms, Christie’s reinforces the importance of expertise, authentication, and human advisory as part of the luxury experience itself.

This private selling model also signals a broader shift within the auction world. High value fashion collectibles are increasingly treated with the same curatorial discipline as fine art or jewelry, appealing to collectors who value knowledge, discretion, and long term perspective over public spectacle.

Hermès as an Investment Language

The prominence of Hermès within the exhibition is intentional. Over the past decade, Birkin and Kelly bags have consistently outperformed many traditional luxury categories, functioning as inflation hedges and portable stores of value. Christie’s frames these handbags not simply as desirable objects, but as part of a shared investment language understood by collectors worldwide.

The Birkin Selection traces the evolution of the model from utilitarian icon to collectible artwork. From the Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 to the hand painted Disco Faubourg Birkin 20, exotic skins, limited editions, and artisanal techniques elevate these pieces beyond fashion cycles. The balance is deliberate. Statement exotics sit alongside wearable classics such as the Rose Azalee Swift Leather Birkin 25, reinforcing Hermès’ ability to sustain desire across lifestyles and generations.

Trend insight: Continued demand for neutral exotics and restrained hardware confirms that quiet prestige still defines the top tier of the market.

Limited Editions and the Collector’s Eye

Beyond the icons, Christie’s highlights special editions that reward deeper familiarity with the maison. The Bolide on Wheels, Candy Collection Micro Kelly, and Kelly Danse reveal Hermès’ quieter, more experimental vocabulary.

These designs resonate strongly with second generation collectors who value narrative, rarity, and differentiation over immediate recognizability. The Kelly Ado backpack, in particular, reflects a lifestyle driven form of luxury where heritage adapts to contemporary use.

What stands out is Christie’s decision to treat these pieces as culturally significant rather than peripheral to Birkin and Kelly mythology.

Trend insight: Today’s collectors build portfolios, not singular trophies. Range, knowledge, and nuance now define sophistication.

Handbags Offered for Sale

All prices on request available on site Christie’s

Birkin

Hand painted Chèvre Chamkila Disco Faubourg Birkin 20, Palladium Hardware (2025)
Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35, Palladium Hardware (2015)
Custom Rouge Casaque Ostrich Birkin 30, Palladium Hardware (2008)
Rose Azalee Swift Leather Birkin 25, Gold Hardware (2017)
Shiny Vert Emeraude Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30, Gold Hardware (2019)
Limited Edition Violet, Bleu de Malte and Chocolat Ostrich Ghillies Birkin 30, Palladium Hardware (2013)
Caban Togo Leather Birkin 30, Gold Hardware (2022)

Kelly and Mini Kelly

Shiny Black Niloticus Crocodile Sellier Kelly 25, Palladium Hardware (2025)
Rouge Vif Togo Leather Retourné Kelly 25, Palladium Hardware (2019)
Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Mini Kelly 20 II, Gold Hardware (2022)
Vert Comics, Vert Fizz and Gris Pale Epsom Leather Mini Kelly 20 II, Palladium Hardware (2024)
Naturel Barénia Leather Sellier Kelly 25, Gold Hardware (2023)
Shiny Bleu Marine Porosus Crocodile Sellier Kelly 25 with diamond and 18K white gold hardware (2018)