Cover The Matte Alligator Faubourg is among the most expensive Hermès Birkin bags in the world
The Matte Alligator Faubourg is among the most expensive Hermès Birkin bags in the world
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Sotheby’s has recently announced that the original Hermès Birkin bag will go under the hammer in Paris on 10 July. Inspired by actress Jane Birkin, the bag is expected to fetch a record-breaking price.
The bag, called “The Original Birkin,” is considered the first version of one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion items. The bag is black, oversized, and finished with the Coudre saddle stitching technique. More than 40 years ago, a chance meeting on a plane between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, led to the birth of “The Original Hermès Birkin.”
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According to Morgane Halimi, global director of fashion and handbags at Sotheby's, the value of "The Original Birkin" can be compared to other prestigious symbols such as the “black sheep” sweater worn by Princess Diana or the crown and cape of Freddie Mercury, the British rock star.
Therefore, “The Original Birkin” is likely to set a new record at the auction taking place on July 10. Although Sotheby's did not give a specific figure, according to some experts, the starting price of this bag could be up to US$500,000. Of course, “The Original Birkin” is not the bag with the highest auction price, but in history there have been some Hermès masterpieces that cannot be bought with money.
Sac Bijou Birkin: USD 2 million
To date, the Sac Bijou Birkin is the most expensive bag in the world, priced at $2 million. This bag is part of Hermès' Haute Bijouterie collection, launched in 2012.
Above Sac Bijou Birkin, riced at $2 million (photo: Sotheby’s)
Sac Bijou Birkin, riced at $2 million (photo: Sotheby’s)
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Designed by Pierre Hardy, the Sac Bijou Birkin is rose gold in color, has a compact size, suitable for use as a bracelet, and is studded with 2,712 diamonds weighing a total of 89 carats. Notably, according to Sotheby's auction house, there are only 3 Sac Bijou Birkin bags in the world and each bag costs $2 million.
Platinum Birkin: $1.9 million
In 2015, Hermès collaborated with Ginza Tanaka, a renowned Japanese jeweler, to launch the Platinum Birkin, one of the most expensive bags Hermès has ever produced.
Above Platinum Birkin, encrusted with 2,182 diamonds (photo: Getty Images).
Platinum Birkin, encrusted with 2,182 diamonds (photo: Getty Images).
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As its name suggests, the Platinum Hermès Birkin is platinum in color and encrusted with 2,182 diamonds, including an 8-carat pear-cut center diamond. The bag is designed so that the diamond-studded strap can be detached and worn as a necklace or bracelet, while the bag itself can be worn as a small, luxurious clutch.
Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin: $450,000
In 2022, Sotheby’s successfully auctioned the Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin bag for $450,000.
The Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin is crafted from Nile crocodile skin and finished with 18K white gold hardware set with white diamonds. Its colour evokes the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalayas.
Above Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin, finished with 18K white gold (photo: Sotheby’s)
Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin, finished with 18K white gold (photo: Sotheby’s)
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The bag’s signature Cadena lock is embellished with 40 round white diamonds, totalling 1.64 carats, and crafted from 68.4 grams of 18K white gold.
Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin: $400,000
Released in 2019, the Faubourg Birkin echoes the design of the Hermès flagship at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. Its façade-like structure features window frame motifs, Epsom glass, and a Clochette styled to resemble an Hermès shopping bag.
This creation brings together five distinct types of leather: Matte Alligator (a matte-finish crocodile skin), Veau Madame (calfskin), and a selection of cowhides including Epsom, Sombrero and Swift. The Faubourg Birkin is available in four colourways—black, blue, brown, and cream white, with the latter being the most coveted among collectors. It is also the first Hermès design produced in a petite 20cm size.
Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35: $288,200
Bright hues are rare in Hermès releases, making the Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 a sought-after treasure. When it appeared at a Sotheby’s auction in 2018, the 35cm bag fetched nearly $300,000.
Above The Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 fetched nearly $300,000 (photo: Christie’s)
The Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 fetched nearly $300,000 (photo: Christie’s)
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This edition, unlike other Géranium models, features diamond-encrusted hardware in 18K white gold. Inside, the red leather lining includes a large zip pocket engraved with “Hermès,” balanced by an open compartment on the opposite side.
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The above examples are among the most vivid illustrations of Hermès’ enduring allure. Despite being one of the few fashion houses to raise its prices annually, Hermès continues to be coveted by collectors willing to invest significantly to acquire a Hermès Birkin. This not only reinforces the house’s esteemed standing in the fashion world but also elevates the Hermès Birkin—long hailed as a symbol of elegance and exclusivity.
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