Why collectors are in thrall to the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the creation of the ultimate bag — and why the Diamond Himalaya is the most desirable handbag in existence. Illustrated with Himalayas offered at Christie’s
The ravishing Hermès Himalaya Birkin bag is considered the Holy Grail in a handbag collection, while the Himalaya Kelly bag is fabled as ‘The Rarest Handbag in the World’. How did this handbag achieve such cachet? The answer lies in the construction of this wearable work of art, a striking blend of superlative design with fabulous materials.
.jpg "An expert guide to Hermès Birkin and Kelly Himalaya handbags (1)")
An exceptional, matte white himalaya niloticus crocodile diamond birkin 25 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware, Hermès, 2020. 25 w x 19 h x 14 d cm. Estimate: HK$1,600,000–2,600,000. Offered in Handbags & accessories on 25 November 2023 at Christie’s in HongKong
A gradation that resembles the majestic, snow-capped Himalayas
The Himalaya Kelly is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The designation ‘Himalaya’ does not apply to the origin of the bag, but rather to the delicate gradation of the colour. The smoky grey fades into a pearly white, resembling the majestic, snow-capped Himalayas. The dyeing process is time-consuming and exponentially more difficult as the shades lighten — to create the immaculate white of the snow and the gradation to rocky grey requires great skill and a fine eye.
.jpg "An expert guide to Hermès Birkin and Kelly Himalaya handbags (2)")
A rare & exceptional, custom matte white himalaya niloticus crocodile diamond constance élan with 18k white gold & brown diamond hardware, Hermès, 2021. 25 w x 13 h x 7 d cm. Estimate: HK$1,800,000–2,800,000. Offered in Handbags & accessories on 25 November 2023 at Christie’s in HongKong
The ultimate expression of artistry
The finished product is wondrous to behold. Marrying precious materials and craftsmanship with the Hermès equestrian heritage, the Himalaya Birkin is the ultimate expression of the artistry and tradition of the storied Hermès maison.
.jpg "An expert guide to Hermès Birkin and Kelly Himalaya handbags (3)")
A rare, matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Birkin 30 with palladium hardware. Hermès, 2016. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Estimate: HK$450,000 - 550,000. Offered in Handbags Online: The Hong Kong Edit, 8-21 September 2023 at Christie’s Online
A collecting phenomenon
The introduction of the original series of Himalaya Birkins spawned a collecting phenomenon. Handbag collectors around the world recognised the rarity and exquisite craftsmanship behind the Himalaya. Consequently, in a resounding response to the appetite of collectors, Hermès began to craft a limited number Himalaya Kelly bags for top clients.
The Himalaya Kelly
Produced in the most limited of numbers, the Himalaya Kelly is a perfect marriage of the subtle gradation of the Himalaya and the elegance of the Kelly. The Himalaya Kelly is both an heirloom and a work of art.
.jpg?mode=max "An expert guide to Hermès Birkin and Kelly Himalaya handbags (4)")
A rare, matte gris cendré himalaya niloticus crocodile retourné kelly 25 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2015. 25 w x 19 h x 9 d cm. Estimate: HK$1,000,000–1,800,000. Offered in Handbags & accessories on 25 November 2023 at Christie’s in HongKong
The most desirable handbag in existence
In 2016, Christie’s 30th Anniversary Hong Kong auction sold a Himalaya Birkin bag with white gold and diamond hardware for a world record price of $300,168.
In May 2017, Christie’s in Hong Kong again broke the world record for the most expensive bag ever sold at auction when a white crocodile Hermès Himalaya encrusted with 10.23 carats of diamonds realised £293,000.
.jpg?mode=max "An expert guide to Hermès Birkin and Kelly Himalaya handbags (5)")
A rare, matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 with palladium hardware. Hermès, 2018. Sold for €126,000 on 26 April 2023 at Christie’s Online
In June 2018, a Himalaya Birkin with an 18-carat, white gold, diamond-encrusted lock sold for £162,500 at Christie’s London, becoming the most expensive handbag ever in a European auction. Before the end of the year this was broken with a 2010 Matte Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware, which fetched £236,750 in London.
In May 2021 a rare matte white Himalaya Niloticus Retourné Kelly 28 with palladium hardware sold for HK$2,750,000 ($355,000) in Hong Kong, and in November, this world record price was again eclipsed when Christie’s sold a matte white Himalaya Niloticus Kelly 28 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware for HK$4,000,000 ($513,000).
Christie’s Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week
At Christie’s Paris in November 2022, a Sellier Himalaya Kelly 25 appeared at auction for the first time, achieving £189,000.
These incredible results solidify what handbag collectors worldwide already know — the Diamond Himalaya bag is the most desirable handbag in existence.
Related departments
Related lots
Related auctions
Related content
As an avid enthusiast and expert in luxury handbags, particularly the coveted Hermès Himalaya collection, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to unravel the mystique behind these extraordinary creations. My passion for the subject extends to the construction, craftsmanship, and historical significance of these iconic bags, making me well-equipped to delve into the intricacies discussed in the article.
The allure of the Hermès Himalaya Birkin and Kelly bags lies not only in their exclusivity but also in the meticulous craftsmanship that transforms them into wearable works of art. The exquisite materials, coupled with superlative design, contribute to their status as the Holy Grail and the Rarest Handbag in the World, respectively.
The distinctive feature of the Himalaya series is the gradation of color on the crocodile hide, particularly evident in the Himalaya Kelly bag. Contrary to the assumption that 'Himalaya' refers to the origin of the bag, it actually denotes the delicate transition from smoky grey to pearly white, mirroring the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The dyeing process is a time-consuming and challenging task, requiring great skill to achieve the immaculate white of snow and the subtle gradation to rocky grey.
The article showcases some exemplary pieces, such as the matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 25 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware from 2020 and a custom matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Constance Élan from 2021. These pieces exemplify the ultimate expression of artistry, marrying precious materials with the equestrian heritage of Hermès.
The collecting phenomenon sparked by the introduction of the original series of Himalaya Birkins is a testament to the rarity and craftsmanship behind these handbags. Hermès responded to the collectors' demand by crafting a limited number of Himalaya Kelly bags, which are hailed as both heirlooms and works of art.
The article goes on to highlight the extraordinary prices achieved at auctions, emphasizing the Diamond Himalaya bag's status as the most desirable handbag in existence. Notable records include a Himalaya Birkin with white gold and diamond hardware sold for a world record price of $300,168 in 2016 and a white crocodile Hermès Himalaya encrusted with 10.23 carats of diamonds realizing £293,000 in May 2017.
In conclusion, the Hermès Diamond Himalaya bags, with their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and record-breaking auction prices, stand as the pinnacle of luxury handbag collections, captivating collectors worldwide.
