We used to do a twice-yearly rundown of the ultra-expensive new bags that had arrived on the market, but we haven’t done that in a couple years. That’s mostly because the stock started to get stagnant; a bunch of designer who had rushed into making $25,000 bags available at the click of a button seemed to reconsider whether or not there was much of a market for the combination of that product and that purchase experience. Now, in late 2018, some of those brands (and some totally new ones) seem to be of the opinion that there is.
When we stopped keeping tabs on these bags a couple years ago, generally the most expensive exotics were in the $35,000 to $45,000 range, at the very most. Those are astronomical numbers, but they were at least ones we were somewhat used to encountering, because those maximums more or less held for several years. Now We have multiple brands venturing well into the $60,000 range, and that includes both longtime luxury stalwarts like Louis Vuitton and, a bit surprisingly (but also, maybe, a bit unsurprisingly), a day bag from The Row. It actually clocks in as our most expensive, at $65,000.
Although The Row is well known, it’s a much smaller brand with a much smaller potential customer base looking to spend that kind of money on a bag than the heavyweights like LV, Hermès, or Chanel. The design is brand new for Fall 2018, and we found it at several retailers, so apparently buyers thing there might be a place for it in more than a few wardrobes. Check back during sale season to find out.
Beyond that bag, we investigated a number of our favorite designers who sell online and found their most mind-bendingly expensive women’s designs. We also included one wild men’s croc bag, just for fun.
Bottega Veneta Crocodile Roma Bag
Fendi Peekaboo Crocodile Bag
Givenchy Horizon Alligator Bag
Gucci Crocodile Bamboo Bag
Hermès Double Sens Alligator Tote
Loewe Missy Crocodile Shoulder Bag
Louis Vuitton Capucines BB Crocodile Bag
Louis Vuitton Speedy 40 Bandouliere Crocodile Bag
Ming Ray Claudia Top Handle Bag
Moreau Paris Diligence Crocodile Bag
Saint Laurent Pochette Alligator Shoulder Bag
Stalvey 3.0 Large Alligator Shoulder Bag
The Row Margaux 14 Alligator Bag
Tom Ford Tara Alligator Shoulder Bag
Valentino Lock Bag
VBH Seven 34 Cocco Millennium Bag
Unless the alligator, crocodile, ostrich, or any other animal is personal willing to give up the ghost to become a handbag, I pass on everyone of them. I can put a tiny house on a lot of land for these prices. Totally outrageous!
Always a fun read, but how about next time doing the most expensive bags you can buy online that are NOT croco/gator, Birkins or Kellys? Like this one from BV: https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/bottega-veneta-lido-chain-woven-tote-bag-prod204280013#&gid=1&pid=1
As someone that’s not down with exotics I would really like to see that as well.
FENDI, LOEWE, GUCCI, TOM FORD. The only ones that matters here.
Interestingly the most surprising one for me is the Saint Laurent – because they do so many “croc effect” bags that I somehow am skeptical about people buying real exotic bags from them.
I personally will never get the point of the Row’s pricing – I think they are deliberately high to establish their brand as an “expensive” brand. And maybe the Olsen twins just have a lot of fans and friends with money to throw around?
I could not agree more regarding the Row. I think they have some nice things and a decent (but not extraordinary) aesthetic. But their prices always seem “fake it ’til you make it” to me. They charge investment piece prices with very little to support them. I understand that you have to create buzz and reputation, but it takes time to establish that kind of value. Ridiculous.
I agree. I can’t see anyone wanting to buy the Saint Laurent one for the same reason. It would be more wise to pay 5k more for the Valentino.
I cannot imagine paying this much for anything sight unseen. Then, have to sit on pins and needles waiting for it to be delivered. The last handbag that I bought online was packaged well, but still was delivered in a busted box. It wasn’t even close to the price of these.
Girl same. I’m so worried about how it’s gonna arrive then cause I’m so picky that if even a stitch is off I can feel my heart drop and then it’s shipping it off and waiting for the credit then getting another one (if they’re readily available unlike some LV and Chanel) I don’t care about the champagne and the good looking men opening the door for me(but if that tickles your fancy, do you,girl) I care about being able to 1)see the bag in front of me and picking one to my liking and or a “fresh one” 2)getting it there and then.
I usually roll my eyes whenever the Hermès Kids start screaming about a bag being a Birkin knock off but that Moreau bag…it’s…stressful.
That Row bag is lovely, but completely out of my price range!
that row bag is magic.
I’m crying,all beautiful bags that I can’t afford (Gucci, Loewe in particular). It’s ambitious of the Row, but it’s indeed beautiful! The size coverage is a little bigger so I guess that’s why they are asking for that amount.
Ming Ray bag is a hideous waste of croc skin.
Bags for the one percent. You can feel sad about not being able to buy one of these or go online and search for a vintage crocodile by an American maker, from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. If they have been well-cared for, these bags will look great and continue to do so. You’ll also not likely see “your” bag again on someone else’s arm.
My sister has my Mom’s vintage crocodile bag from the 60s. It is still in beautiful condition too. My Mom took very good care of that bag.
Bottega Veneta Roma!! OMG, I love it.
the row bag is heaven
Ugh. Croc and exotic leathers are overdone and I think quite cheap looking! You can get an imitation Croc or other faux exotic for a fraction… the vast majority… even the wealthy will still assume your croc bag is faux! Just sayin’… anytime I see one I assume it’s a Brahmin. Which btw I do like Brahmin bags and if I was to ever consider a Croc i’d choose a Brahmin because it is what it is. Just sayin’. Some bags regardless of the price point will always look faux. I feel similarly about patent! I got tired of people assuming my quite pricey patent Burberry was faux, ergo I sold it. Uff! Pass!!!
Oh that Ming Ray Claudia bag. I think as a bit of jewellery on a bag its beautiful and a breath of fresh air from the rest of the crocs. I quite fancy the Saint Laurent Pochette Alligator. And that Valentino Lock bag colour is divine. Its coming into spring where I live and that colour just nails spring for me. Unfortunately The Row bag is old fashioned and stuffy looking to me with the price being outta control.
And we wonder why the price of handbags are going up. I’m referencing a great article Purseblog did a little while which I loved!!
Interfering indeed but agree with some folks that I can’t imagine buying a bag at that price range sight unseen. Old fashioned, like to look, touch & feel before i’ll commit.
Jana