Several times a year, Christie’s Auction House hosts a sale of luxury handbags, usually (and at times exclusively) dominated by Hermès bags. At least twice a year, the sale is based in New York, and if we’re lucky, we get to preview the bags in person.
Christie’s current sale, Handbags Online: The New York Edit, ends tomorrow, June 13. After seeing the amazing selection in person, I must commend the House for a truly impressive and varied selection. Do not miss this; it is definitely worth a look!
There are many very desirable handbags on offer this time around; here are a few highlights:
5P Pink Matte Alligator Mini Kelly II
Placed in a special display case at the front of the auction display is this small but perfect Matte Alligator Mini Kelly II in the much-loved 5P Pink color.
Kelly Morphose Sac Bijou d’Argent
The Kelly Morphose is an exciting piece. It is at once both a functioning handbag and a piece of jewelry, as it is constructed of sterling silver and can be worn as a necklace. Christie’s essay on this piece explains the history and highlights some details.
Birkin Rock 25
A newer Object of Desire is the Birkin Rock, a limited edition bag produced for AW23.
Quelle Idole Picto
This Quelle Idole Picto – an updated version of the Quelle Idole bag – was produced in 2022 and, although tiny, is both functional and adorable.
So Black Kelly Pochette
The So Black Kelly Pochette features rarely-seen PVD hardware from Gauthier’s final 2010 collection. As Max Brownawell (the Head of Christie’s Handbags in NY) describes in the lot essay, it is that “unique blend of edgy sophistication and timeless design” that truly resonates with many Hermès collectors.
Birkin 30 Himalaya
The Himalaya cannot be overestimated: even for those who live for handbags and have seen these many times over, the unique, eye-catching combination of white ombrè to brown and perfect scales never fails to make the heart beat a bit faster (or stop it completely). This sale has both this gorgeous 30cm Birkin and a 28cm Kelly available.
Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 25
The Grande Dame of the auction must be this stunner: a Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Birkin 25 with Diamond Hardware.
Scroll through the gallery below to view more highlights, including three Birkin Faubourgs, a Cargo Birkin, a Mini Kelly Picnic, a Kelly Flat, and other beautiful pieces.
The Birkin Himalaya is not 35, it’s a 30
Thank you so much for catching that! I’ve fixed it.
Desirability is relative. Some folks paid a lot of money to Christies in seller’s fees to get rid of those bags.