World’s most expensive handbag ever sold at auction is now this matte white Niloticus crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30, which was auctioned for HK$2.98 million at Christie’s today.
Fans of the iconic Hermès Birkin bags are beating lengthy waitlists by scoring the coveted bags at auction. The much sought-after Birkins have been continuously breaking auction records.
‘The overall market for top [handbag] collectors has really matured,’ says Matthew Rubinger, international head of handbags & accessories at Christie’s.
Among all of the Birkin bags, the Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya is one of the most coveted. A similar style was auctioned for HK$2.94 million at Christie’s last year. It’s dubbed the Holy Grail for bag lovers.
The aptly named ‘Himalaya’ Birkin reflects the bag’s delicate gradation of colour from smoky grey to pearly white – resembling the snow-capped Himalayas. Diamond Himalayas are also scarce – as reportedly only one or two are made each year. Apart from the Birkins, Hermès also crafts a few Himalaya Kelly bags for top clients.