Seven Wonders of Hermès: Rare Birkin & Kelly Bags at Heritage Auctions

Go big or go home this holiday season with rare luxury handbag gifts. At the Heritage Auctions Luxury Accessories Signature auction, you’ll find a breathtaking collection of 346 handbags, featuring a sprinkling of highly sought-after Hermès Birkin and Kelly Bags. These collector’s pieces, often rare and seldom seen on the secondary market, present a unique opportunity to elevate your gifting game to new heights.

Whether you’re seeking vintage iconic or contemporary marvels, explore a spectrum of Hermès bags that define luxury. For those seeking the ever-elusive limited edition Birkin or Kelly offerings, this auction is your gateway to securing a masterpiece. 

In collaboration with Heritage Auctions, we’ve meticulously curated our top pick of the most rare Hermès bags in the world – each a mesmerizing work of art. But act swiftly to secure your favorites, these treasures won’t stick around for long. 

If you’re hoping to see some of these exquisite handbags in person before bidding, you’re in luck. Heritage Auctions will showcase a select preview in New York. Highlights from this extensive auction will be available to view from December 4 – December 6, 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM CT.

You can find Heritage Auctions New York, at 445 Park Avenue, New York, 10022.

The Heritage Auctions Holiday Luxury Accessories Signature auction runs through December 7, 12:00 PM CT. Sign up to bid online here. Participating in the event is simple, allowing you to seamlessly shop and place bids from the comfort of your own home. Happy bidding and delight in luxury gifting!

Birkin

Admirers of contemporary art will find themselves captivated by the ‘One Two Three and Away We Go’ Birkin 25. This wearable masterpiece, born in 2018 from a collaboration between Hermès and British architect Nigel Peake, transcends the conventional Birkin design. Limited in production, this Birkin 25 boasts a mesmerizing blend of abstract patterns and vibrant hues that dance across its Swift leather canvas. The fusion of Peake’s distinctive style and Hermès unmatched craftsmanship renders this special Birkin a coveted and exuberant creation. 

From the creative hands of Hong Kong-based designer Jay AHR emerges the striking Hermès x Jay AHR “Macleod of Lewis Tartan Act’ Birkin bag. Known for his transformative touch on vintage Hermès pieces, Jay AHR weaves a visual narrative onto the iconic Birkin’s surface. This Birkin 30 in Togo leather from 2009 encased in the vibrant ‘Macleod of Lewis’ Tartan, intertwines heritage with modern flair. Adorned with matching silk twilly scarves on the handles, it’s a Highland fling of artistic reinterpretation. 

Step into the radiance of the Hermès ‘Sunrise’ Birkin 35. First produced in 2020, this exclusive Birkin, along with its counterpart, the ‘Sunset’ captivates with a rainbow palette. Crafted in Epsom leather in the Sellier style, it harmoniously composes the Hermès sunrise in lime, sesame, rose confetti, and terre battue. Immerse yourself in the hues of a waking day, and become the envy of all the early birds. 

No Hermès collection is complete without one of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s original designs. Enter the Fringe JPG Shoulder Kelly in Vert De Gris Clemence Leather, with palladium hardware. This coveted masterpiece boasts the elongated east-west silhouette and elongated shoulder strap, synonymous with the JPG shoulder design. Gaultier’s interpretation not only pays homage to the beloved Kelly but also introduces a contemporary flair that has garnered a devoted following. Effortlessly chic and hands-free, this Kelly embodies timeless sophistication – and who can resist the touch of fun fringe detailing? 

Fancy adding a playful touch to your handbag collection? Introducing the Hermès In and Out Birkin 25 in Blanc Swift leather, where the 2022 limited edition design unveils an x-ray-inspired twist on the iconic bag. This whimsical design references the hidden treasures typically nestled within a handbag. Of course, you’ll find Hermès favorites here, including a Rodeo Charm, Chaine d’Ancre strap coin purse, and Hermès lipstick. This bag’s artistry certainly extends far beyond skin-deep.

Discover a fusion of artistic intricacy and timeless allure with the Hermès Retourne Ghillies Kelly. This distinguished piece, born from Pierre Hardy’s visionary touch in the Fall 2021 collection, draws inspiration from the intricate detailing of men’s Ghillie brogues. Its limited edition Ghillies trim showcases a subtle yet instantly recognizable perforated design, adding a distinctive character to the iconic Kelly silhouette. A true blend of sophistication and uniqueness – this Kelly embodies Hermès’ unmistakably quirky charm. 

Which rare Hermès bag has caught your eye? Are you a lover of the playful In-and-Out Birkin or the incredibly luxurious Himalayan offerings?

How to Bid on the Auction

Great news! You do NOT have to be physically at the auction to bid. You can make your selections from the convenience of your own home – in your PJ’s from bed if you want – anytime until December 7, 12:00 PM CT. But, don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Below are the steps for getting into the action.

First, create an account at Heritage Auctions here.

Second, click on this auction page for access to all of the handbags and jewelry.

It’s a two minute, super easy registration process that allows you to login with your Google, YahooMail, Facebook, Apple ID, or PayPal account. The latter is the quickest option.

Next, select the item that you want, enter in your bid, and click the button “Place Bid”.

Then, you will be taken to a page titled “Please Confirm Your Bid”. This page will show you the name of the item you’re bidding on, the current bid, and the maximum bid. When you are satisfied with your bid, click on the button marked “Confirm Bid”.

If your bid is the current high bid, you will be notified and given some information on what might happen with your bid over the remainder of the auction. You will also receive a Bid Confirmation notice via email. If your bid is not the current high bid, you will be taken to a page that will notify you of that fact and allow you to place another bid.

For additional information, please visit Heritage Auctions Bidding Tutorial.

Now, suppose you don’t see what you’re quite looking for in this auction. No need to stop looking. In fact, don’t. Heritage Auctions has its very own handbag boutique brimming with beautiful and exclusive purses all year long. Visit here for the hottest selections. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’ll do our best to help or get you connected to the right team member at Heritage Auctions. Happy bidding!

Published: December 1st, 2023
Updated: December 1st, 2023

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