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 luxury fashion world. Its association with Hermès dates back to the 1920s, when the brand began experimenting with exotic skins to elevate its iconic collections. Hermès Ostrich leather is farmed in South Africa. The unique look of ostrich leather, characterized by its distinctive quills and supple finish, soon became a hallmark of Hermès’ commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity. However, as demand for exotic skins grew and regulations tightened, the production of ostrich leather bags became increasingly rare, and Hermès began limiting its use in more recent years. Despite this, ostrich Hermès bags remain among the most coveted in the secondary market, especially as rare pieces from past collections continue to make waves at auctions. Today, these bags are not only seen as status symbols but also as valuable investments that continue to appreciate in value. Ostrich is popular for its deep even color absorption and there are some Hermès colors that are exclusive to Ostrich. While Ostrich is one of the most durable exotic skins, it can darken on the handles and other areas that come in contact with your skin's natural oils.
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.
Advantages to Buying Hermès on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell Hermès Ostrich Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
