S otheby's Handbags and Accessories Online offers extraordinary examples of the finest craftsmanship from Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton amongst others. The sale features a hand-picked selection of handbags in a variety of sizes, skins and colours, as well as accessories to complement every occasion.
The Birkin Bag was originally designed for Jane Birkin in 1983 when Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. After discussing the need for a larger bag for modern women, Jane actually drafted the first design of a Birkin on an airplane sickness bag. She was then invited to collaborate with the brand on the designs, and four years later the Birkin was born.
A few years ago Hermes started creating bags with a “touch” of exotic leather in a very limited amount of styles. The most limited and iconic style is the Touch Birkin 25. The “touch” of exotic leather comes in either Crocodile or Alligator on the flap, horizontal straps or handle and is paired with the classic “Togo” or “Novillo Clemence” leather. Hermes only releases this style in a very limited selection of colors.
Each bag is handcrafted by specialist artisans, taking several days to finish. Leathers are obtained from different tanners across France and come in a variety of hides including Calf leather, Lizard, Ostrich, Crocodile, and Alligator. Birkins come in many sizes including the original size 40 and modern favourites 25, 30 & 35, JPG Shoulder Birkin (Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier) and the Haut á Courroies.
This bag is a custom made piece from Hermès, exclusively offered to its most exclusive clients. On a very rare basis, top clients you may be offered to create their own piece, choosing from an exclusive selection of leathers, colors and hardware.
This bag is crafted in Chevre (goatskin leather) in “Menthe” green exterior with “Hermes Orange” interior and brushed (matte) palladium hardware - an extremely rare, possibly unique, combination. This leather is characterized by its refined grains and scratch resistant nature, also made in limited quantities which makes it a popular choice for a special order Hermes piece.
The Hermès Kelly, recognisable by its single top handle, additional shoulder strap & smaller more structured form (originally named Haut à Courroies), was created by Émile-Maurice Hermès and Ettore Bugatti for Hermès’ wife Julie. It was then redesigned by Robert Dumas, and subsequently known as Sac à Dépêches. In 1956, the late princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, used the bag to disguise her pregnancy from photographers, this thrust the bag into the spotlight, and it was officially renamed the Kelly in 1977.
The Kelly Sellier 25 is an incredibly sought-after size in this leather and color combination, only offered to the most exclusive clients.
There are few finer skins for handbags than ostrich, with Hermès by far and away the market leader when it comes to getting the most from the unique characteristics of this skin. Its durability is also among the best of all forms of skins and leather used on Hermès handbags.
The Kelly Sellier style is the exclusive “rigid” model out of the Kelly family. The bag is stitched on the outside and is one of the most iconic styles of the handbag universe ever made.
There are two styles of the Kelly Bag. The Sellier (Saddler) has sharp edges & visible stitches, giving it a more rigid look. The Retourné is a Sellier turned inside out giving it a slouchy more relaxed feel, with no visible stitching. Every Kelly has 2600 individual hand stitches and takes between 18 to 25 hours to handcraft by a single artisan. Sizes include the 25, 28, 32 & 35.
