Over the past decade Hermes had released a constant stream of seasonal Limited Edition Birkins and Kellys. These styles showcase pre-set color combinations, unique construction techniques, and additional materials. Though special edition runs were produced during Jean-Paul Gaultier’s time at the brand, such as the Metallic collection released in celebration of the 2004 Athens Olympics, or prior to JPG the 1989 French Bicentennial collection, the Era of the Edition truly began with Christophe Lemaire’s Candy Collection in 2011, a shining array of new bright colors that followed the somber So Black collection heralding Gaultier’s exit. Since then, the Candy Collection has cemented itself in collector’s hearts and minds as essential. Everyone has a favorite combination from the series, which received a revamped second release with more muted tones in the fall of 2012, and additional color combinations in subsequent seasons. Produced in Birkins and Kellys in every size from 25cm to 35cm, in ten different variations, The Candy Collection is one of the widest ranging Limited Editions Hermes has produced, only possibly eclipsed by the ongoing Verso Collection.
As of July 2021, over 100 Candy Birkins and Kellys have sold at auction since December 2011, when the first example sold at Heritage for $19,718, after which, the values remained high, peaking in 2014 at an average of $21,875. Between 2015 and 2019 the average prices for these bags dropped precipitously into the $10,000-11,000 range before rebounding over the past three years at an average rate of 16% annually, with the values in 2021 so far averaging almost $15,500. The last Candy bags were produced in 2014, meaning every year there are fewer and fewer that remain in untouched condition. As these surviving pristine example come to auction less and less often, its likely they will continue to fetch higher and higher sums, though this could easily be countered by an influx of more used Candy bags as well.
To read more about Limited Editions, subscribe and you’ll also get access to the full Market Reports and all other posts!