Handbags Fashion

CHRISTIE’S will this Wednesday auction off some of the world’s rarest Hermès bags. Around 65 bags will be up for offer, including Birkins, Kelly’s and Pochettes, in a range of sizes and materials dating from the Sixties.

“There really aren’t many of these bags left in the world,” said Pat Frost, head of textiles at Christie’s. “We are expecting people to bid way over the asking price. There is a massive waiting list for several of the styles featuring in the auction – it’s an easy way of jumping the queue but at a premium.”

Estimated starting prices begin at £500 stretching to £30,000. Barker expects the crocodile skin bags to reach the highest amounts.

“The quality of these bags are fantastic and the design is fantastic,” added Barker. “People that tend to buy in auctions are more conservative and Hermès pieces fit in with their aesthetic. They tick all the boxes of the people that come to our auctions, being unusual yet subtle at the same time.”