Christie’s
Handbags Online: The Hong Kong Edit
21 September 2023 12PM HKT Online (21884)
Christie’s first Handbag Auction of the season, taking place online but based out of Hong Kong kicks off the fall calendar with 220 lots to choose from. Led by a trio of Himas with tantalizingly low estimates (300,000 - 400,000 HKD i.e. $38,000 - $52,000 for a 2016 Himalaya Birkin 35 for example), the selection in Christie’s “Edit” series, tends to skew larger and older, though this proffers a more varied offering. There is a high number of exotic Constances in various colors, and the first appearance of the recently re-released Kelly Elan; a Black Chevre example. Every color of the rainbow is represented, and overall the estimates are quite conservative, which means bidding will start low for many of the lots.
Some rare and unusual bags in this auction include a custom 2019 Blue Saphir Swift Lakis Kelly 32 with striking Gold hardware (the vast majority of Lakis Kellys have Palladium hardware) and a Custom Black and Raisin Box Birkin 35 with Palladium hardware and pink stitching from 2010. Despite a clear dent in the front, bi-color Box bags are extremely rare and this dark combination is subtle and sophisticated, while the stitching gives it an exciting and unexpected pop.
Two rare Limited Edition Kellys are also on offer; a Grizzly suede bodied Au Galop Kelly 32 from 2017 and an Argile Swift and Herringbone Toile Kelly 32 from 2012.
10th Shanghai Auction Anniversary: Luxury Evening Sale
23 September 2023 5PM CST Live Auction (22137)
A Live Auction taking place in Shanghai, this sale continues the Handbag Auction World’s march towards mainland China. Featuring only 20 bags, this sale will notably include the first offering of a Rock Birkin 25 at auction with an estimate of $47,500 - $75,000 (350,000 - 550,000 CNY). These bags, which are made of supple Black Volupto leather, have proven quite scare on the market. A strong auction result could bring more examples out of collectors’ closets. The series of 10th Anniversary sales includes a catalog that can be viewed here.
Sotheby’s
27 September 2023 10:00 CEST Paris (PF2381)
Sotheby’s opens their season with a Paris auction totaling 140 lots. Let by a trio of Himas (2022 Kelly 28, 2022 Kelly 25, 2023 Birkin 25) and the fifth So Black Faubourg Birkin to come to auction, this sale has a well-balanced selection of new and vintage bags. There are some lovely vintage Birkins and Kellys from the 1990’s to compliment the selection of more recent styles. Few exotics can be found beyond the Himas, my favorite of which is a Jaune Citron Ostrich Constance 18, the first bag in this color to come to auction. There are only a handful of bags from the years between 2000 and 2020, one of which is a lovely 35cm Gris Perle Tadelakt Birkin with Palladium Guilloche hardware from 2013. Guilloche is one of the rarest hardwares that can be found on Hermes bags. The most unique bag in this auction, though, as got to be the 30cm Birkin with a Black Togo body and White Ostrich flap dating from 2005. I have never seen this particular combination before, and any Birkins that combine Ostrich and Leather are quite rare. One notable aspect of this auction is the collection of the late Frances Patiky Stein, former Vogue US editor and Head of Accessories at Chanel. Most notable are the sterling silver jewelry pieces from Chanel, which are extremely rare. Gorgeous Gripoix abounds, though my favorite lot from this collection is a group of Chanel wood and bakelite box clutches in the iconic Premiere shape mirroring that of the Place Vendome in Paris. Each is topped with a simple CC on the closure, pure elegance. Though I am no Chanel expert, I have never seen this design before.
Heritage Auctions
Luxury Accessories Signature® Auction
5 October 2023 (5542)
This 625 lot Online Auction features around 100 Hermes bags, let by a 2021 Hima Kelly 32. The best lot is a true rarity; a 1992 Kelly 20 with a body of printed silk framed with Rouge Vif Box leather. These silk Kellys were produced in extremely limited numbers, each dotted with a charming animal in a repeating pattern. These silk patterns came from Hermes’ famous silk ties. Today, finding examples that have been maintained in exceptional condition such as this one is exceedingly rare. This bag features owls on a green background, and it surely a wise addition to any collection. Some other exciting lots in this sale include a Vintage Black Lizard Kelly 20, a HSS Rose Tyrien Ostrich Sellier Kelly 25 with Lime interior and stitching and Brushed Gold hardware, and two lovely Box bags; a Birkin 30 in Blue Saphir with Palladium hardware from 2021 and a Black Mini Kelly 20 with Palladium hardware from 2022.
September 2023 presents an exhilarating month for handbag aficionados. Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Heritage bring forward both vintage and modern treasures, with special focus on Hermès' timeless designs, including rare and unique pieces that are poised to ignite the market. Christie’s Hong Kong Edit offers a diverse array of bags that span across decades, while Sotheby's Paris auction shines a spotlight on both current stars and unforgettable classics, with a nod to the late Frances Patiky Stein's iconic contributions to fashion. The anticipation surrounding the 10th Shanghai Auction Anniversary revolves round the initial offering of a Rock Birkin 25. Lastly, Heritage Auctions offers a vast collection where the rare Silk Kelly 20 stands out, exemplifying the fusion of Hermès' craftsmanship and artistry. Collectors, investors, and fashion enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to, as the coming auctions not only present a chance to acquire spectacular handbags, but also set the tone for Hermes secondary market trends in the months to come.