The Most Popular Ostrich Hermès Bags
Get an insider's look at the most popular ostrich Hermès bags, celebrated for their unique texture and unmatched craftsmanship.
Brief History of Ostrich Hermès Bags
Ostrich leather has long been celebrated for its exquisite texture and exceptional durability, making it a prized material in the world of luxury accessories. Hermès began experimenting with exotic skins in the 1920s, exploring new ways to elevate its iconic designs through exceptional craftsmanship. Farmed primarily in South Africa, Hermès ostrich leather is distinguished by its characteristic quill pattern and supple finish—features that quickly became synonymous with the house’s dedication to artistry and refinement.
As demand for exotic skins increased and global regulations tightened, Hermès gradually limited its production of ostrich leather bags, making earlier examples rarer and highly sought after by collectors. Certain Hermès colors are exclusive to ostrich, admired for their ability to absorb pigment evenly and richly. While one of the most durable exotic skins, ostrich can naturally darken on handles and high-contact areas over time due to the skin’s interaction with natural oils.
Key Takeaways: The Most Popular Ostrich Hermès Bags
| Model | Notable Features |
| Ostrich Hermès Birkin | Rare, refined texture; Birkin 30 averages $23,000–$26,000, while the Birkin 25 exceeds $35,000, with standout results above $40,000. |
| Ostrich Hermès Kelly | Highly coveted in Sellier; sizes 25–28 trade at $25,000–$35,000, and the Mini Kelly II averages around $40,000. |
| Ostrich Hermès Kelly Pochette | Prices surged from under $20,000 to over $28,000, with record sales above $32,000. |
| Ostrich Hermès Constance | Modern 18cm versions sell for $17,000–$19,000; vintage pieces maintain steady demand. |
| Material Characteristics | Known for distinctive quills, durability, and even color absorption; some colors exclusive to Ostrich. |
| Market Dynamics | Reduced production has increased scarcity and boosted auction prices for key models. |
| Collector Appeal | Viewed as status symbols with strong secondary-market performance and long-term value. |
Ostrich Hermès Birkin
The Hermès Birkin bag, often regarded as the ultimate luxury accessory, takes on a whole new level of elegance when crafted from ostrich leather. While the Birkin in various materials has always been highly sought after, the ostrich version stands out due to its rare and refined texture. The 30cm Ostrich Birkin is one of the most frequently encountered on the secondary market, with prices consistently hovering between $23,000 and $26,000 for the past five years. However, the most exciting development in the auction world has been the increasing rarity and value of the 25cm Ostrich Birkin, which has seen a remarkable surge in price, now averaging over $35,000 since 2020. In fact, a Noir Ostrich Birkin 25 sold for $40,320 at Sotheby's 2022 auction. The 35cm Ostrich Birkin, once a staple, has faced a decline in popularity, with its price fluctuating between $15,000 and $20,000 in recent years. Despite this, it remains a highly desirable piece for collectors, particularly those seeking a vintage find.
Ostrich Hermès Kelly
While the Birkin may be the most iconic of Hermès bags, the Kelly bag has earned its own distinguished place in the world of luxury fashion, particularly when made from ostrich leather. The Kelly in ostrich leather is especially prized for its sophisticated appeal, and among the Kelly variations, the Sellier style dominates the market. Sellier Ostrich Kelly bags are sold four times as often as their Retourne counterparts, with prices consistently ranging between $25,000 and $35,000 for sizes 25cm and 28cm over the last five years. The 20cm Mini Kelly II has emerged as a major player in the ostrich Kelly market, with auction prices averaging around $40,000 since its debut in 2019. A rare Bubblegum Ostrich Mini Kelly 20 with Palladium hardware fetched an extraordinary price in 2022. In contrast, larger 32cm and 35cm Ostrich Kelly bags remain relatively more affordable, with their average auction prices dipping below $16,500. Vintage Ostrich Kelly bags, especially those in the 20cm size, remain highly sought after, often fetching close to $25,000.
Ostrich Hermès Pochettes
The Kelly Pochette, first introduced during Jean-Paul Gaultier’s tenure at Hermès, has quickly become a beloved piece among collectors. While leather Pochettes have garnered much of the attention, ostrich leather versions have experienced a significant rise in demand. Before 2020, Ostrich Kelly Pochettes typically sold for under $20,000, but auction prices have since soared, with recent results averaging just over $28,000 in 2021. Sotheby’s sold a Gris Perle Ostrich Kelly Pochette for a staggering $32,760 in 2022, setting a new benchmark for these petite, yet luxurious accessories. The combination of rarity and elegance has made the ostrich Kelly Pochette a must-have for discerning collectors.
Ostrich Hermès Constance
The Hermès Constance bag, known for its sleek design and iconic "H" clasp, was once considered a vintage rarity in ostrich leather, with average auction prices hovering around $8,500 for many years. However, since Hermès resumed regular production of the Constance in ostrich leather in 2018, the 18cm and 24cm models have become more accessible to collectors. Despite this, their prices have remained steady, with the 18cm version averaging between $17,000 and $19,000 at auction. The 24cm Constance has shown more volatility, with prices fluctuating between $15,000 and $20,000. Vintage Ostrich Constance bags continue to hold their value, with prices for those rare finds typically remaining around $8,500. The increasing availability of new ostrich leather Constances has only fueled their desirability, making them a classic choice for those looking for timeless elegance in a modern silhouette.
Ostrich leather continues to be a defining feature of Hermès' commitment to luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. From the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags to the more elusive Constance and Pochette styles, ostrich leather provides a unique blend of sophistication and rarity that appeals to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of luxury handbags. While Hermès’ limited production of ostrich bags has made these pieces even more valuable, their enduring popularity in the secondary market suggests that they are more than just luxury items—they are timeless investments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ostrich Hermès Bags
Do Ostrich Hermès bags hold their value?
Yes. Due to limited supply, rising demand, and historical auction results, ostrich models often maintain — and in many cases exceed — their original retail prices. Bags like the Birkin 25 and Mini Kelly II have seen particularly notable gains, reflecting long-term investment potential among collectors.
Which Ostrich Hermès styles are most popular?
The Birkin 30 and Kelly Sellier remain the most frequently traded, while smaller models like the Mini Kelly II and Kelly Pochette have surged in demand thanks to rarity and rising auction results. The Constance 18 also enjoys consistent popularity due to its iconic design and approachable size.
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