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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Some people choose stocks as a way to invest their money. Others see jewelry and arts as attractive and lucrative investments. But have you considered putting your money into designer handbags?
It may sound absurd, but in fact, Credit Suisse revealed that handbags are among the best investments in 2023. The market value is even projected to clock US$42 billion by 2029, according to Data Bridge.
Even so, handbags continue to serve as fashion labels, effusing a sense of luxury and sophistication. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most expensive bags in the world, showcasing premium prices and extraordinary features.
List of the World’s Most Expensive Bags
Citing Women’s Wear Daily, myGEMMA, and Sotheby’s International Realty, here is the top 10 list of the world’s most expensive bags, which somehow is dominated by Hermès’ products.
1. Debbie Wingham’s Upcycled Egg Bag (US$6.7 million)
Valued at nearly US$7 million, Debbie Wingham’s Upcycled Egg Bag currently leads the pack. As the name suggests, the one-of-a-kind piece, revealed in 2019, was designed by Debbie Wingham.
The handbag features a jaw-dropping 8,000 diamonds. However, what makes this bag unique and extraordinary is its core, which is a real emu egg fortified with enamel infused with blue diamond dust. Mind-blowing!
2. Mouawad’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse (US$3.8 million)
Despite being dethroned by Wingham’s creation, the Mouaward’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse remains fabulous. It was Robert Mouawad, from renowned jeweler Mouawad, who designed the piece, and it took 8000 hours for the bag to complete.
Indeed, it required blood, sweat, and tears, but the outcome was worth the effort. Featuring more than 4,500 diamonds, equivalent to a total of over 380,000 carats, the heart-shaped purse was valued at almost US$4 million and even set a record at the Guinness World Records.
3. Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin (US$2 million)
Hermès has long been a prominent retailer in the fashion industry. One of its exorbitant masterpieces reveals a handbag adorned with around 2,712 diamonds. It’s the Sac Bijou Birkin, crafted by Pierre Hardy, which was a part of Hermès’ 2012 Haute Bijouterie Collection.
Aside from being one of the most expensive, the Sac Bijou Birkin might also be among the smallest, as it’s technically a miniature handbag. It is intended to be worn as a bracelet, and apparently, there are only three of them in the world.
4. Hermès Ginza Tanaka Platinum Birkin (US$1.9 million)
In a collaboration with a Japanese jeweler, Ginza Tanaka, Hermès created a platinum Birkin bag worth nearly US$2 million. Introduced to the public in 2015, its highlight lies in its 2,182 diamonds and an eight-carat pear-shaped centerpiece. Remove the strap from the bag and wear it as a necklace. Cool, right?
5. Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bag (US$1.4 million)
Another marvelous craft from the hands of Pierre Hardy, the Chaine d'Ancre Bag is encrusted with more than 1,000 diamonds and showcases anchor-shaped chain links, hence the name (Chaine d’Ancre translates to ‘anchor chain’ in English).
The meticulous design took Hardy around two years to complete. Finally, in 2020, he got to display his unmatched creation, which was eventually valued at a premium price of US$1.4 million.
6. Louis Vuitton Millionaire Speedy (US$1 million)
Beyond his singing career, Pharrell Williams stuns many as a fashion designer, even creating one of the most expensive bags in the world. The musician behind “Happy” introduced his Louis Vuitton Millionaire Speedy Bag during the 2023 Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
It soon gained everybody’s attention, to the extent it was dubbed “Louis Vuitton’s fan-favorite duffle.” The bag was made out of crocodile skin, displaying the LV monogram pattern. Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Millionaire Speedy Bag is priced at US$1 million.
7. Hermès Himalaya Kelly (US$513,200)
Crocodile skins are common materials for some fashion items, like bags or belts. The Hermès Himalaya Kelly was handcrafted from Niloticus crocodile skin and 18-carat gold, along with diamond hardware, which decorates the whole thing.
This bag’s price tag surpassed US$500,000 and has been named “the rarest handbag in the world” ever since its creation.
8. Hermès Himalaya Birkin (US$450,000)
Much like its Kelly counterpart, the Hermès Himalaya Birkin also features Niloticus crocodile skin in a white and gray gradient. Other elements, including white diamonds and 18-carat white gold hardware, elevate the overall luxury and artistry of the piece.
Sotheby’s successfully sold the Himalaya Birkin for more than US$450,000. Despite costing quite a fortune, the handbag has beckoned many celebrities, including Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham.
9. Hermès Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin (US$400,000)
Named after Hermès’ boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, the Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin is distinctive for its design. The bag, released in 2019, displays the storefront of the previously mentioned boutique.
In 2022, the Faubourg Birkin was sold for US$400,000. Indeed, it’s pricey, but the high-end bag is somehow considered to be “affordable.” What do you think?
10. Lana Marks' Cleopatra Clutch (US$400,000)
Rounding off our list is Lana Marks’ Cleopatra Clutch. Technically, it’s not a handbag but more of a purse. With the most expensive valued at US$400,000, the purse stemmed from American alligator leather adorned with 1,600 white diamonds.
This extraordinary creation has been seen in the hands of several stars, such as Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, and Li Bingbing.
Find more luxurious stuff with mind-boggling price tags here on Tempo. Start off with the list of the most expensive shoes in the world, featuring shoes thrown at U.S. President George W. Bush.
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