Expensive handbags are essential, especially if they are Hermes. The preeminent art business and fine arts auction house Christie’s proves that handbags can be an investment worth making. On December 9th during the Jewels sale, Christie’s  will auction off 23 Hermes handbags at their South Kensington, London house.  Included in the lot is the Hermes Mini Kelly bag in forest green and the Sac Malette bag in brown which once belonged to Charlie Chaplin’s wife. Plus, the recherche Haut a Courroies bag which was designed by Hermes circa 1900 and became a sought-after travel bag. There are only five Haut a Courroies, large crocodile bags made per year. The one in the Christie’s auction is estimated to go for $19,000-22,850.

During the interiors sale in New York on December 18th and 19th, Christie’s will also be auctioning off a bright orange Hermes Kelly bag. The estimated auction price for the Kelly bag is $4,000-$6,000. Hermes bags like the Kelly Bag have been made popular by high-profile clientele who carried them around like Princess Grace Kelly. The Constance shoulder bag with a double strap and large H clasp was a Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis favorite. Today, the Kelly and Constance bag are still in such high demand that there is about a one year waiting list just to get one. 

The other famous Hermes bag worth mentioning is the Birkin Bag which was named for actress Jane Birkin. The bag is still one of the most sought-after luxury items by Hermes and you could be on a waiting list for up to six years before you get yours, based on the type of leather requested. The Birkin Bag typically sells for around $6,000 but ranges up to $10,000 easily, sometimes reaching into the six digit realm. Yes, $100,000 for a Birkin but imagine how that might auction off at Christie’s someday.  Hermes bags haven’t gone out of style in the last century so we are pretty sure the classic fashion will be fashionable for a few more decades, at least. Check out Hermes scarves too, they are probably more popular than the bags.