Friday Links: Hermes Birkin Sold For Eye-Watering $203,150

Birkin bags are probably the most expensive and in-demand bags in the industry. But no matter how good they are paying $203,150 seems crazy for majority of buyers. However, there are real connoisseurs of the piece and one of these now owns a rare red crocodile Birkin made in 2006. Feeling envious?

December 9th 2011

by Lily Stein

hermes-birkin-bag

We all know Birkin bags are expensive. But are they as expensive as $203,150? Not usually. But a luxurious piece made of red crocodile skin with white gold and diamond hardware produced in 2006 might be that worthy.

The Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at Heritage Auctions in Dallas this week. It was one of several Hermes bags on sale but it was definitely the dearest. While it expected to fetch around $80,000 it actually almost tripled the sum.

Matt Rubinger, director of luxury accessories at Heritage Auctions said the bag was ‘extraordinary’.
He explained:

This is an extraordinary example of one of the world’s most exceptional handbags, and this was certainly an exceptional price, exceeding our highest expectations at every corner.”

He also told the story behind the purse:

It was owned by a lady from Florida. She bought it in 2006 and had it as the trophy of her collection.”

Other Birkin bags were also sold but the highest price paid for the items was $113,525, for a blue crocodile version with palladium hardware.

Justifying the incredible numbers Mr Rubinger said:

Most of the bags were bought by collectors who never used them, or only used them once. And many women simply don’t have enough space in their closets for all their accessories. Indeed, these most exclusive of handbags actually increase in value over time. If you walked into Hermès today you couldn’t get these bags – not even if you were Oprah Winfrey.”

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