PurseBop’s four types of Hermès handbag collector — which one are you?

Monika Arora, founder of PurseBop — the online source of designer handbag news — describes key stages in the evolution of an Hermès connoisseur. Illustrated with covetable bags for each, offered at Christie’s across a range of upcoming sales

Every handbag collector remembers that first treasured purchase — a neutral Birkin, perhaps, toted around until the leather became indelibly scuffed. Although we always cherish the bags that first captured our hearts, embarking on the collector’s journey means embracing a range of colours, sizes and uses. Over time, our needs, desires, and even budgets may change. For a handbag connoisseur, a collection can tell a life story.

Collecting is a very personal endeavour, but it is also a shared experience. A love of leather craftsmanship connects an individual collector to a broader community of handbag lovers around the world. 

Here, PurseBop — the leading online destination for designer handbag reviews — explores the four stages that mark the evolution of an Hermès collector, as well as the kinds of bags that accompany each. Perhaps you’ll recognise yourself in one.

Even at the most elite level, there is always room to expand, for there will always be another unique piece of Hermès history to find and call one’s own.

Stage 1: The new Hermès collector

Looking for an everyday bag / prefers neutral colours.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-accessories/indigo-calf-box-leather-sellier-kelly-35-gold-hardware-96/57579

An indigo calf box leather sellier Kelly 35 with gold hardware, Hermès, 2005. 35 w x 25 h x 13 d cm. Estimate: $5,000-7,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories, 29 May to 19 June 2018, Online With subtle indigo hues and plenty of room, this refined Kelly will accompany you in style through the work day and on to the most fashionable soirées. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/a-trench-sable-epsom-leather-verso-6144230-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6144230&sid=0194765b-7233-4bc1-b38a-23ef6ef777a4

A trench & sable Epsom leather verso mini Constance 18 with permabrass hardware, Hermès, 2017. 18 w x 15 h x 4 d cm. Estimate: HK$50,000-70,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 30 May at Christie’s in Hong Kong The platonic ideal of a crossbody: neutral, golden, compact, and distinctively Hermès. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Stage 2: The established Hermès collector

Looking for a statement piece / open to various sizes and bright colours.

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/a-custom-rose-azalee-gris-mouette-6143963-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6143963&sid=f22d6e85-9a61-4c72-b49f-6a3cdf873dd6

A custom rose azalée & gris mouette epsom leather sellier Kelly 25 with permabrass hardware, Hermès, 2017. 25 w x 18 h x 9 d cm. Estimate: £8,000-10,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 12 June at Christie’s in London The newly popular gris mouette tones down the floral rose azalée of this glorious springtime Kelly. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/a-bleu-electrique-epsom-leather-birkin-25-6144291-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6144291&sid=538db38a-ec9c-47bd-a872-b396b8f2712e

A bleu électrique epsom leather Birkin 25 with gold hardware, Hermès, 2016. 25 w x 20 h x 13 d cm. Estimate: HK$60,000-80,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 30 May at Christie’s in Hong Kong A mini with rich tones that contrast with luminous hardware — sure to stun in any setting, formal or otherwise. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Stage 3: The mature Hermès collector

Looking for a rare handbag / prefers exotic leathers.

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/a-rare-matte-black-niloticus-crocodile-so-6144259-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6144259&sid=92ec67ae-15ce-46ae-a193-80a844b540a0

A rare, matte black niloticus crocodile So Black Birkin 30 with black hardware, Hermès, 2010. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Estimate: HK$400,000-500,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 30 May at Christie’s in Hong Kong Crocodile meets the So Black series in this elegant beauty — rarity, squared. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/a-matte-bleu-saint-cyr-alligator-birkin-6143920-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6143920&sid=257556ba-5d03-4304-9028-4b6b88cece01

A matte bleu saint cyr alligator Birkin 30 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2015. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Estimate: £25,000-30,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 12 June at Christie’s in London Evoking seaside jaunts, this dreamy Birkin brings a touch of calm and serenity to any outfit. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

Stage 4: The elite Hermès collector

Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind handbag / prefers hardware with jewels.

Open link https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/textiles-costume/an-exceptional-shiny-geranium-porosus-crocodile-diamond-6144381-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6144381&sid=2b0fd209-f1e5-480f-aab8-bda42702ce2c

An exceptional, shiny géranium porosus crocodile diamond Birkin 35 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware, Hermès, 2014. 35 w x 25 h x 18 d cm. Estimate: HK$800,000-1,000,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 30 May at Christie’s in Hong Kong One of the most exclusive bags you’ll ever lay eyes on, this Birkin elevates its regal construction with diamonds. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

An exceptional, shiny cocoan porosus crocodile sapphire Birkin 35 with 18k white gold & yellow sapphire hardware, Hermès, 2010. 35 w x 25 h x 18 d cm. Estimate: £60,000-80,000. Offered in Handbags & Accessories on 12 June at Christie’s in London Encrusted yellow sapphires are not something you see everyday. Combine them with porosus crocodile and white gold and you’ll arrive at a Birkin boasting the ultimate triumvirate of rarity. .captiondesc { font-family: LyonRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif!important; font-size: 20px!important; line-height: 30px!important; color: #000000!important; weight: normal!important; padding-top: 30px!important; }

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