This Monday, the New York-based auction house revealed the items it will offer in an online sale to coincide with its forthcoming Luxury Week auctions. The "Handbags Online: The New York Edit" sale will include over 250 bags from companies such as Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. A Kelly created from the French house's renowned Himalayan crocodile leather with 18-carat white gold and diamond hardware, a red crocodile Birkin, and a tiny Fuschia ostrich Kelly are among the top lots. There are also some uncommon finds from other labels, like as a Marc Jacobs-era Louis Vuitton Murakami jewellery trunk worth over $40,000.
The Hermès Kellydole Picto, a modern update of the 2000 Quelle Idole, is one lot making its Christie's debut. A Picnic Birkin designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier during his tenure as the brand's creative director is also making its debut at the New York auction. Rachel Koffsy, Christie's international head of handbags, told Robb Report via email that the strong market for handbags is one of the reasons why now is an excellent time to invest.
“This unprecedented year for the Christie’s handbags department has also seen the first various owner handbag auctions in Paris since 2017. The secondary market for luxury is growing at a faster pace than the primary market,” Koffsy said. “Clients and collectors around the world have a keen interest in resale. In particular, the younger generations emphasize the sustainability element when it comes to collecting.”
Buyers will have a chance to bid on their bag of choice from November 29 through December 9. The auction will be online in partnership with the luxury vintage re-seller What Goes Around Comes Around. But if you want to see them in person before you bid, you can visit Christie’s in Rockefeller Center during Luxury Week starting December 2 at 9:30 a.m.
