Collectors will be in Hermès heaven at Christie’s this autumn.
The auction house is offering up an exceptional assortment of the French maison’s purses in an online sale running from October to 13 November. Fittingly titled Unlocking the Orange Dream, the auction will spotlight the holy grails of one devout European collector.
The collection, which was meticulously amassed across more than two decades, includes nearly 200 luxury handbags. Brands and styles of all sorts are represented, though there is a strong emphasis on Hermès. Spanning the late 1990s to the 2000s, the lineup highlights the house’s creativity, craftsmanship, and collectibility. Coveted Birkin, Kelly, and Constance models will be up for grabs, along with rare limited editions and one-offs made from exotic materials.
Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska
The sale will, of course, be led by a Birkin. Named after English-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, this iconic leather tote was introduced in 1984 and is now considered the most popular luxury handbag. This specific Birkin is made from Nuage leather and features palladium hardware. It is expected to fetch between €60,000 and €80,000 (about US$66,900/HK$520,835 and US$89,300/HK$695,225) at the upcoming auction.
Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska
The sale will also include pieces created under the leadership of Jean Paul Gautier from 2003 to 2010, such as the chic So Black Kelly (estimate: US$16,700/HK$130,015 to US$22,300/HK$173,610), the sleek So Black Birkin (estimate: US$22,300/HK$173,610 to US$33,400/HK$260,025), and the elegant Shadow Birkin (estimate: US$16,700/HK$130,015 to US$22,300/HK$173,610). The latter is distinguished by a distinctive monochromatic design that makes it look as if the bag was etched from stone.
Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska
The auction even includes a Birkin Ghillies. One of the most coveted and elusive designs, the Ghillies stands out on account of a highly decorative trim. This specific limited edition is crafted from shiny and matte burgundy porosus crocodile (estimate: US$33,400/HK$260,025 to US$40,100/HK$312,190). Other sale highlights include a Micro Mini Birkin and Kelly from the colorful Candy collection, a Birkin Touch with a “touch” of exotic skin, and a hardwearing Birkin Cargo.
It is worth noting that Birkins can’t be bought off of the shelf at a Hermès boutique. A sales associate has to offer a client the opportunity to acquire the bag. This particular collector must have forged quite a relationship with the house, then. To that point, the sale includes several exclusives and special orders, such as a Quelle Idole in orange Gulliver leather (estimate: US$22,300/HK$HK$173,610 to US$29,000/HK$225,770) and a limited-edition Kelly Doll in purple and lemon epsom nata leather (estimate: US$22,300/HK$HK$173,610 to US$29,000/HK$225,770).
Hermès heaven, indeed.
