For some people, a bag is much more than an accessory - it's an investment.
According to Data Bridge, a global market research firm, the luxury handbag market is on the rise with its value expected to reach $42 billion by 2029. Meanwhile, global financial advisory firm Credit Suisse estimates that luxury handbags will be one of the best investments of 2023, more than art and jewelry.
In recent years, high fashion brands have been appealing to more collectors and releasing small and prestigious collections in limited quantities.
These unique creations can fetch over hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction and are definitely not for everyone.
The Ombré
Birkin
$137,000.
The bag made of rare water power lizard skin was introduced in 2019. While its retail price ranges from $40,000 to $80,000, this model is worth nearly double that at auction.
In 2020, Sotheby's sold the bag for $137,500.
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The Metallic Birkin
$139,230.
In 2005, a limited edition collection of metallic bags was released in silver and bronze colors.
At 25 centimeters, they are smaller than the typical Birkin, but they cost quite a bit.
A silver version with elements of bronze, sold by Sotheby's in 2022, fetched nearly $140,000.
Birkin bag, photo: Sotheby's, screenshot
The So Black Birkin
$208,000.
Before Jean-Paul Gaultier stepped down as creative director of Hermès in 2010, his last collection for the fashion house included a line of black bags made from crocodile skin.
The bag, which came in a limited edition of just 30 pieces, fetched just over $200,000 when Christie's auctioned it in 2019.
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Chanel Diamond Forever
261,000 dollars
.
In 2008, Chanel created the Forever Diamond Bag.
Karl Lagerfeld designed the crocodile bag in the style of the French label's iconic flap bags.
It features a white gold strap and buckle encrusted with 334 diamonds totaling 3.56 carats.
The bag was sold at auction for $261,000.
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The Diamond Birkin
$288,200.
Birkin bags are made of exotic leathers that are considered rare, but if we also add diamonds to them the price tag jumps.
Birkins with a diamond typically fetch more than $200,000 on the resale market, with one of the most expensive being the Géranium 35. The bag, sold by Christie's in 2018, is made of crocodile skin, 18K white gold and diamonds.
Hermès So Black Feather Kelly
300,000 dollars.
Another Gaultier variation of the Hermès bag that was auctioned at Christie's at an obviously exorbitant price.
Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch
400,000 dollars.
A personally designed bag with the actress' name, photo: GettyImages
Hermès Himalaya Birkin
$450,000.
The version of the bag in the form of a gradient is intended to remind the snowy mountain range of the Himalayas.
With or without diamonds, this bag is considered extremely rare and expensive.
Hermès Himalaya Kelly
513,200 dollars
.
Similar to the Himalaya, the Kellys are also worth quite a bit of money.
Christie's broke a world record with the sale of the crocodile bag in 2021, which includes gold and diamonds weighing 18 carats.
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Louis Vuitton Millionaire Speedy
million dollar.
A bag made of yellow crocodile skin and decorated with the monogram pattern of the luxury brand.
The bag features a chain strap covered in diamonds.
The brand's new creative director for menswear, Pharrell Williams, debuted the bag at Paris Men's Fashion Week last June.
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Hermès Ginza Tanaka Birkin
1.9 million dollars.
A Hermes masterpiece in collaboration with a Japanese jewelry designer.
The bag is set at $2,182 and is made of platinum.
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Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin
2 million dollars.
The miniature bag was released in 2012 and was designed by Pierre Hardy.
Designed to be worn as a bracelet, it features over 2,000 diamonds set in rose gold and according to Sotheby's, only three bags of this model exist worldwide.
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