The Hermes Cascade Birkins, introduced in 2012 as a Limited Edition, offer an intriguing study in the luxury auction market. These bags were celebrated for their unique color combinations and expert craftsmanship, showcasing Hermes' penchant for innovation within its traditional aesthetic framework.
The edition came in two distinct versions. The first one combined a vibrant Rose Jaipur Clemence body with an Argile Swift panel and an Etain Swift flap. The second version presented a more vibrant palette with a Gris Tourterelle Clemence body, accented with a Sanguine Swift stripe and sangles, complemented by a Moutard Clemence panel and flap. These combinations were not only visually striking but also demonstrated Hermes' mastery in blending colors and textures to create bags that were both functional and works of art.
The Rose Jaipur and Argile version was available in both 30cm and 35cm sizes, offering versatility and choice for collectors. The Gris Tourterelle, Sanguine, and Moutard version, however, was exclusively produced in the 35cm size, potentially increasing its rarity and desirability in the auction market. All bags were adorned with Brushed Palladium Hardware, adding a subtle, matte finish that contrasted beautifully with the bright and rich hues of the leathers.
Analyzing the auction results from 2014 to 2023, we see a compelling trajectory for these Cascade Birkins' market performance. The Rose Jaipur bags, while still commanding significant prices, showed a decrease over time after their release, reaching a nadir around 2018-2019. The Moutard 35cm bags, being a rarer single-size release, display a similar auction history with notable highs at release, followed by a dramatic decline. Since 2020, though, results for Cascade Birkins have been notably climbing, with a new record set at Sotheby’s in 2023 at $27,500 for a Moutard version.
The continued presence of these bags in the auction market almost a decade after their release is a testament to their enduring allure. The Cascade Birkins are a strong representation of collectors’ pursuit of unique Hermes pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with a flair for color and innovation. The analysis of these auction results underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced and changing preferences within the Hermes collector community and the factors that drive the value of limited edition bags in the secondary market.