Top 15 most coveted limited edition Hermès handbags
The Hermès handbags are very coveted accessories on their own, but when it comes to limited edition Hermès handbags, these luxury pieces can reach even higher values in the luxury resale market. As a professional Hermès reseller, it is important to identify these limited edition bags, and know their potential to invest in them and get a good profit.
Here we will share with you the top 15 most coveted limited edition Hermès handbags, so you can learn more about their first appearance in the luxury market, and how they have evolved to become sought-after exclusive products. Read on!
- Birkin Shadow
- Birkin Cargo
- Birkin Himalaya
- Birkin Faubourg
- So Black Birkin
- 3 in 1 Birkin
- Birkin Ghillies
- Birkin Sunrise Rainbow and Sunset Rainbow
- Birkin Touch
- Kelly Doll
- Kellywood
- Kelly Picnic
- Kelly Himalaya
- Tri-color Crocodile Constance
- Marble Silk Constance
Birkin Shadow
The Birkin Shadow bag was introduced in 2009 by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermès' creative director at the time. From 2003 to 2010, Gaultier made an effort to break the patterns and bring invention to Hermès pieces, which resulted in the design of this impressive Birkin.
Made with the illusion of a silhouette, the Birkin Shadow is the first Birkin bag that does not have closing straps and a turning closure, but it is a mere illusion, a shadow of an iconic shape. This bag is available in various colors, such as Noir, Gold, Menthe, Nata, Craie, Alezan, Rouge Sellier, Navy and Etoupe, remaining classic and easy to style yet made in an eye-catching and avant-garde design.
Since its introduction in the market, Hermès produced the bag in limited quantities, which led to a raise in its price in the second-hand luxury market. A Shadow Birkin can oscillate between €11,000 and €32,000 in the resale market, either brand-new or in excellent condition.
Birkin Cargo
The Birkin Cargo was released in 2020, being true to the original purpose of this bag, that of being a practical accessory for busy women. The Birkin Cargo features a resistant structure made in a combination of canvas and Swift leather, it showcases five exterior pockets made in different sizes to fit all types of items, from cups to small essentials and a phone.
This resistant limited edition Birkin is available in a wide range of colors, such as Noir, Sesame, Bleu Nuit, Nata, Jaune Citron, Chai, Ecru and Navy. This bag also comes in the conventional Birkin sizes, from 25 to 40, offering even more storage space for those who need it.
In terms of value and desirability, the Birkin Cargo became increasingly popular after its release, reaching values of €24,000 to €43,000 in the luxury resale market. It is currently still a very coveted handbag in all its sizes and colors.
Birkin Himalaya
It is no secret to anyone that the Hermès Birkin Himalaya bag is the most expensive in the world, and with only 60 bags in circulation, the Himalaya is a true limited edition. Its characteristic Niloticus Crocodile skin dyed in a combination of white and brown, mimics the famous Asian mountain range. Often accompanied by a diamond inlaid hardware, this piece is truly unique and it is consistently sought-after by collectors and Hermès resellers alike.
The beauty of this Birkin and its rare condition makes it a valuable and impressive bag to hunt. The highest value reached by a Hermès Birkin Himalaya bag was registered in 2016, when a Himalaya Birkin bag with white gold and diamond hardware was sold for $300,168. A world record that was later broken again in 2017, when Christie’s Hong Kong sold a Birkin Himalaya with 10.23 carats of diamonds for £293,000. Proving once more that the Birkin Himalaya is indeed the most expensive handbag ever sold in auction.
In the luxury resale market, the Himalaya Birkin can reach values of €80,000 to €180,000 brand-new or in like new condition.
Birkin Faubourg
The iconic Birkin Faubourg was introduced in 2019 as a very limited edition and a homage to the facade of the first Hermès boutique located in 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré in Paris. This bag was only available in two color combinations on its release, Ebene representing the facade at daytime, and Navy, representing the nighttime version. In 2020, Hermès released a version in Noir, representing the boutique at midnight, and in 2021, they introduced a snowy version with a Beton matte alligator body.
The Birkin Faubourg is the first ever Birkin size 20, only made for this limited edition, also featuring a Sellier construction, which is typically reserved for Kelly bags and not commonly seen on Birkins. The Birkin Faubourg is a very detailed edition with different types of skin and colors in each small detail, differing also amongst versions. A very eye-catching detail is its clochette made to resemble the famous Hermès orange shopping bag.
It is believed that the initial Birkin Faubourg bag in ebene and navy was released in a small quantity of only 50 bags, although there may be more. The value for these impressive handbags can range from €15,000 to €20,000 brand-new in the luxury resale market.
So Black Birkin
A part of the So Black Collection designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, the So Black Birkin was not meant to be a limited edition in its release in 2010, but it had to be taken out of distribution due to the vulnerability of its hardware made with PVD (physical vapor deposition), which granted it a deep black matte color.
However, the mesmerizing beauty of this entirely black Birkin bag caught the attention of the collectors and resellers, turning it into a desirable and valuable piece. The So Black Birkin is available in Noir Box Calf Leather or Noir Matte Crocodile, this exotic version is much more sought-after and valuable.
The price of a So Black Birkin in the luxury resale market ranges from €18,000 to €30,000. However, the Matte Crocodile variation can reach values of $280,000 on auctions, like it was sold in Christie’s Hong Kong in 2019.
3 in 1 Birkin
The practical 3 in 1 Birkin was introduced in spring 2021 at Paris Fashion Week. This interesting variation of the original Birkin offers 3 ways in which it can be used: as a complete bag with an extra spacious compartment, just the pouch as a clutch that can be closed with a top zipper, or just as an open tote bag without the interior pouch.
This creative Birkin is available in different neutral colors, such as Noir, Gold, Beton, Biscuit and Gris Meyer. The popularity of this handbag grew faster after its release, and it is currently sought-after in the luxury resale market. Its price can reach values of €18,000 to €21,000.
Birkin Ghillies
Introduced to the market in 2012, the Birkin Ghillies quickly became popular, its design was inspired by the Scottish men’s shoes that carry the same name, they feature small perforations or “broguing” to help them dry faster after outdoor activities.
The bag was an extension of the haute bijouterie jewelry collection released by Hermès in 2011, designed by Pierre Hardy, the artistic director of jewelry at the time. Hardy was inspired by his Scottish heritage and created a very interesting design incorporating the small holes into the Birkin iconic silhouette, creating a very feminine and beautiful version.
The Birkin Ghillies was released in many different color and skin combinations, ranging from canvas and denim, to ostrich, crocodile and calfskin. Its color variety makes it even more appealing and eye-catching. The value of a Birkin Ghillies bag can vary in the luxury resale market, it often oscillates from €50,000 to €80,000.
Birkin Sunrise Rainbow and Sunset Rainbow
Released in 2020, the Birkin Sunrise Rainbow and Sunset Rainbow were created to appeal to the beauty of summer and bright colors. They were produced in a Sellier construction that is commonly reserved for Kelly handbags. The Sellier method implies exterior stitches for a sturdier and resistant bag.
The particularity of these Birkins is the great array of colors they show to represent the sunrise and the sunset, portraying a creative and original look. The Birkin Sunrise Rainbow features lime, Rose Confetti, Terre Battue and Sesame. The Birkin Sunset Rainbow features Cricot, Bleu Agate, Magnolia and Rouge Casaque. Both bags are made in Epsom calfskin.
Although the Birkin Sunrise Rainbow is more popular than its Sunset counterpart, both handbags can reach great values in the luxury resale market, in fact, the sunset version tends to be more expensive. The Birkin Sunrise Rainbow can cost from €11,000 to €27,000. Whilst the Birkin Sunset Rainbow can cost €15,000 to €29,000
Birkin Touch
Introduced by Hermès in 2017, the Birkin Touch offers the best of a classic calfskin Birkin with a touch of exotic and extravagant luxury. These bags are characterized by a calfskin body and a crocodile or alligator top flap, both unified under the same color. The Birkin’s clochette is also made of an exotic material, displaying the true exclusivity that Hermès is capable of achieving.
Although the Birkin Touch handbags can be more easily found than most of the limited edition handbags on this list, they are still very sought after and valuable. Their cost in the luxury resale market can range from €19,000 to €36,000.
Kelly Doll
The Kelly Doll or “Quelle Idole” (what an idol) was originally introduced in 2000 and designed by Jean-Louis Dumas. This small and whimsy handbag was retailed for $2,500 at first and it was made in eight different color palettes: Noir, Noisette, Bleu Saphir, Orange H, Rouge H, Vert Olive, Rouge Vif and Vert Cru. In 2005 the Kelly Doll was discontinued, calling for the attention of the collectors that made it a worthy piece.
From 2008 to 2010, Hermès released new versions of the handbags with different colors, the color-ways for these new versions included: Vermillion and Blue Jean, but more importantly 5P Pink. These new colors were introduced for boutique openings in Hong Kong.
In 2015, Hermès released five new exquisite Kelly Doll bags with creative patterns and touches of exotic crocodile and alligator skins, all of them were auctioned for charity, as they went viral quickly. In 2017 Hermès allowed the production of HSS Kelly Doll bags, often using very exotic materials, such as Matte Alligator. The production of HSS Kelly Doll bags is extremely limited, so they keep being exclusive handbags.
Today, the value of the Hermès Kelly Doll bag can range from €40,000 to €48,000 in the luxury resale market. Most notably the second edition Kelly Doll bags made for boutique openings are more sought-after in auctions and resale markets, although the original 2000 pieces continue to be coveted.
Kellywood
The Hermès Kellywood was introduced in 2020, it showcases an extremely luxurious body made in Bog Oak with a Larmé inlay technique, and a handle and flap made of Barenia leather. This bag’s popularity grew quickly thanks to its unique composition and its luxurious materials. The Kellywood also introduced a new feature, the size 22 in Kelly bags, which were never produced in that size before.
Following the popularity of the Kellywood, Hermès then released a new version of it, with a solid beechwood body, and a front panel that features the “Perspective Cavalier'' theme. It was designed by the art collective Anamorphée. This version of the Kellywood is made by joining together six types of leather and eleven different colors, really showing the true mastery of Hermès craftsmanship and marquetry. The top flap and handle of this version is made of Barenia leather in Fauve color with white stitching.
The value of both of these masterpieces ranges from €12,000 to €80,000 in the luxury resale market. The Perspective Cavalier Kellywood is the most coveted in auctions thanks to its reduced quantity of only 60 pieces worldwide.
Kelly Picnic
The Kelly Picnic was released in 2011 as the last collection designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier for the brand. The bag combines the masterful work of a basket weaver and leatherwork. The body of the Kelly Picnic bag is made in Osier wicker, and the top was originally made of Barenia leather in Fauve color, although later they released a version in Swift in Blanc, Jaune de Naples, Bleu du Nord, Rouge de Coeur and Vert Verone. In 2021 they added the Bleu Brume version that was even rarer.
This bag is extremely popular in the luxury resale market, reaching values of €40,000 to €100,000 in its Swift version. While less sought-after, the original Kelly Picnic Barenia Fauve can still reach from €30,000 to €50,000 in resale.
Kelly Himalaya
Just like the Birkin counterpart, the Kelly Himalaya is also considered one of the most expensive handbags in the world, with impressive resale sums of €352,000 to €470,000 in resale markets and auctions, the Kelly Himalaya dominates the scene as a very rare and limited edition handbag.
Available in Niloticus Crocodile skin dyed in a combination of white, brown and grey, it perfectly captures the beauty of the Himalayan mountain range. Completed with an impeccable white gold hardware often inlaid in genuine diamonds. This bag is extremely rare, and when found it is advised to invest in it, due to its incredible potential to keep growing and reaching even higher values as time goes by.
Tri-color Crocodile Constance
The Tri-color Crocodile Constance is a very eye-catching handbag that features a shiny Niloticus Crocodile skin in three different colors: Cassis for the flap, Bleu Izmir for the gussets, strap and boucle inlay, and Bleu Tempete for the back and front panels. This special Constance bag is extremely luxurious and it has been a very coveted accessory since its inception.
There have also been very rare models in different color combinations, like the Constance Tri-color in Noir, Bleu Baltique and Vert Rosseau, and the Constance Tri-color Alligator in Braise, Sanguine and Miel.The hardware of both versions is inlaid with the exotic crocodile material. The prices for these handbags in the resale market can oscillate between €30,000 to €40,000.
Marble Silk Constance
Introduced in 2021, the Marble Silk Constance is one of the most impressive Hermès handbags, it is made using a very specialized silk marbling technique that only Nose Moriyoshi masters in Kyoto, Japan. This beauty is made in Orbis printed silk, with Swift leather in Rose Mexico color and palladium plated hardware.
After its release and the limited quantities in which it was introduced, the Marble Silk Constance became a highly sought-after handbag. It is currently being sold in the luxury resale market at prices ranging from €15,000 to €20,000.
So, what do you think of the top 15 most coveted limited edition Hermès handbags?
Now that you have a little bit more information about these limited edition luxury handbags, you know exactly what to expect when doing business as a Hermès reseller.
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