"In July, the sale of Jane Birkin's original Hermès Birkin for €8.6m at a Paris auction established it as by far the most expensive handbag of all time. "I was actually shocked it went for that amount," says Ella de Guzman, founder of Siopaella consignment store. "If this bag was being sold in the second-hand market as just another preloved Birkin bag, it would have only traded hands for maybe €5,000 max given the condition that it was in. It was completely destroyed, yet because of its incredible history, its perceived value was crazy.""
"For some, a handbag is more than an accessory, it's an investment - just ask barrister Maria Steen whose vibrant blue Hermès Kelly bag recently made headlines closer to home."
In July, Jane Birkin's original Hermès Birkin sold for €8.6m at a Paris auction, becoming the most expensive handbag ever. Vintage traders noted the item's poor physical condition would normally limit resale value to around €5,000. Collectors and buyers prioritized provenance, celebrity association and historical significance over wear. Some buyers treat iconic designer handbags as investments, sometimes generating headlines and large returns, as with a vibrant blue Hermès Kelly. The market for designer second-hand fashion has been booming, driven by rarity, storytelling and investment potential, enabling savvy buyers to substantially increase resale value.
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