The most expensive bag in the world sold at auction

Fans of the iconic Hermès Birkin bags are beating the long waiting list by scoring the bags at auctions. The much sought-after Birkins have been continuously breaking auction records.
A rare Hermès Birkin bag sold at auction early Wednesday morning at Christie’s in Hong Kong for a whopping $382,000. It’s set a record as the priciest handbag ever sold at auction. The collector, who won the bid by phone, is not from Asia.

“The overall market for top [handbag] collectors has really matured,” says Matthew Rubinger, international head of handbags & accessories at Christie’s. In 2016, a similar style was scooped up at Christie’s for around $377,000.

The coveted purse — which costs as much as a studio apartment on the Upper East Side — is the Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30.

The aptly named “Himalaya” Birkin reflects the bag’s delicate gradation of colour from smoky grey to pearly white – resembling the snow-capped Himalayas. Diamond Himalayas are also scarce – reportedly only one or two are made each year. Apart from the Birkins, Hermès also crafts a few Himalaya Kelly bags for top clients.

One might have a better chance of climbing to the top of the Mount Everest than scoring one of its namesake bags: They’re considered the rarest of Birkins. The French luxury goods company reportedly only makes one or two each year.

Matthew Rubinger, the international head of handbags and accessories at Christie’s, tells the South China Morning Post that the “extreme rarity, iconic status and craftsmanship” has continued to send Himalaya Birkin prices into another stratosphere.