Complete Buying Guide: Hermès Himalayan Birkin
Learn everything you need to know about the Himalaya Birkin.
History of Hermès Himalayan Birkin
The elusive Hermès Himalayan Birkin - ever present on the arms of celebrities and socialites and atop the wishlists of Hermès collectors worldwide. They may seem ubiquitous to those of us who live and breathe Hermès bags, but mystery is what gives the Hermès Birkin Himalaya its power. While some may think these bags are made from rare Himalayan crocodiles, the bag is named after the world's highest mountain range. The delicate Ombré effect is achieved from the skin’s natural color qualities and meticulous finishing techniques. The end result is a perfect evocation of the Himalaya mountains. Contrary to their chart-topping value, a himalaya bag can be used without much risk of lasting noticeable wear. The matte finish and stippled gray degradé mask most common signs of use, making Himalaya Birkin bags durable as well as beautiful.
The Hermès Himalayan takes its true inspiration from early crocodile handbags that, if not dyed black or brown, would be lightened to highlight the skin's natural coloring. This natural ombré went out of style as dyeing techniques improved and color created more and more possibilities for exotics. In the early 1990’s, Hermès began development on a new glossy ombré crocodile that would become known as Natura Vert Celadon. This bag is the first link in the Hermès Himalayan chain that continues to grow to this day. The first example to appear at Sotheby's is available in the Paris 2024 sale. The Natura Vert Celadon Kelly 32 from 1995 sold for 42,000 Euro.
The earliest known Hermès Himalayan Celadon was produced in 1994, with the final examples leaving Hermès’ ateliers in 2008. That same year a new Hermès Himalayan Birkin would emerge. The new handbag would define Hermès collecting. Initially the Matte Himalayan Birkin 30 were kept secret and only sold to top collectors. This new, unique style was only known to the most dedicated Hermès bag collectors. That is, until 2010 when Jean-Paul Gaultier sent a Hermès Birkin Himalaya down the spring runway. From that moment on the Hermès Himalayan Birkin was the bag for dedicated and new collectors. The Hermès Himalayan Birkin 30 and Birkin 35 have been spotted dating back to 2008 and 2009 respectively. The first Hermès Himalayan Bikin 25 was released in 2012.
What to Consider When Buying an Hermès Birkin Himalaya
Every Hermès Birkin Himalaya is unique in color and exact ombré on the bag. While the overall ombré of a Himalayan Birkin goes from light down the center to dark along the sides, each Hermès Himalayan Birkin sports a unique pattern that can be compared against other Hermès Himalayan Birkin. The first aspect to consider is the contrast from center to edge. Some Hermès Birkin Himalaya bags have incredibly white centers and stark, almost black sides, creating a more dramatic two-tone effect to the ombre, while others have a more even, often lighter tone across the whole bag. Some Birkin Himalaya bags will have lines of gray creeping into the center, while others will have more prominent frisson ‘rings’ in the dark areas. All of these aspects are personally subjective to taste and preference.
Another aspect of coloration to consider is the symmetry of Ombré on the sangles and handles. Hermès Himalayan Birkin handles are rarely symmetrical in their coloration, but some have more even tone than others. Sangles, on the other hand, can vary dramatically, with some having noticeable ombré on one and pure white on the other, some having symmetrical coloring on both sangles, and some with no color at all. There is some debate as to the differences between ‘white’ and ‘brown’ himalayas. Both, to be clear, are considered the same by Hermès, but collectors like to differentiate between Hermès Himalayan with a truly white center, and those with an off-white center. The true ‘brown’ himalayas are the ultra-rare Gris Cendre Himalayans, which ombre from gray in the center to brown on the sides. The Gris Cendre is about 20 times more rare than a classic Hermès Himalaya, with very few examples selling at auction. Gris Cendre Hermès Himalaya Kellys are even more rare and none have ever sold at auction. Sotheby's has sold a Gris Cendre Himalaya Plume in 2022. These dusky bags have a Fauve brown interior, which makes the whole coloration warm and earthy. The final aspect to consider is the bag’s base. The vast majority of Hermès Birkin Himalaya (and all crocodile Birkins, for that matter) have rectangular scales along the base, but exceptional examples have symmetrical belly scales just like on the front and back. A centered base is often more sought after when it comes to an Hermès Himalayan Birkin.
The Hermès Himalayan Birkin 30 is by far the most common Hermès Himalaya Birkin, but it is also one of the most popular. Simultaneously big enough for regular use, yet petite enough for evening. It is the perfect fit for many collectors, and the perfect start to a Hermès Himalayan collection. Nearly
Hermès Himalayan Birkin Price
Currently an Hermès Himalayan Birkin 25 retails between $50,000 and $70,000 at the boutique (prices vary by country). Larger Himalaya Birkins retail for higher. This trend, though, is reversed on the secondary market where smaller Birkins almost always sell for more versus larger Birkin bags. Himalaya Birkins have been selling for between $100,000 to $200,000 without diamonds since 2020. Prices for Himalayan Birkins peaked in 2022 at Sotheby's with prices drifting lower in 2024. The most important factors influencing the price on the secondary market is condition, date stamp and size. The Himalaya Birkin 25 in pristine condition with a recent date stamp generally sells at the highest price while a Himalaya Birkin 35 with some wear and date stamp that is 5 plus years old will generally sell at the lowest price. While the most expensive Himalaya Birkin 25 to sell at Sotheby's was in September 2022 for 252,000 Euro, Himalaya Birkin 25 bags in pristine condition with recent date stamps continue to sell close to $200,000. The Himalaya Birkin 30 in pristine condition with a recent date stamp sells closer to $150,000. Older Birkin Himalaya bags often sell closer to $100,000 depending on the condition. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate Himalaya Birkin prices to remain inline with 2024 assuming the current global demand for luxury remains roughly unchanged.
Hermès Himalayan Birkin Diamond
The iconic Diamond Hermès Himalayan Birkin is the ultimate collector bag. The18-karat white gold hardware, is studded with white diamonds. The padlock and two keys and all of the metal on the Diamond Himalayan Birkin is 18K white gold. The Diamond Himalayan Birkin has approximately 251 pavé diamonds weighing approximate total of 1.40 carats inlaid on plaqué, pontet, and touret. Approximately 40 pavé diamonds weighing an approximate total of 1.40 carats are inlaid on 18K white gold padlock. The most expensive Diamond Himalayan Birkin 30 with a 2021 date stamp sold in 2022 for $450,000 via private sale.
How to Buy a Hermès Himalayan Birkin
If you are unable to purchase an Hermès Himalayan Birkin at a boutique, Sotbeby's offers a few ways to purchase the Hermès bag. Sotheby's has auctions in New York, Hong Kong, France and Geneva that regularly includes a Hermès Himalayan Birkin bags. Sotheby's also has a Buy Now Marketplace that sometimes has a Hermès Birkin Himalaya bags for immediate purchase. The exact Hermès Birkin Himalaya that is available on either channel can vary due to the rarity of the bag. Finally if you don't see the preferred condition and size, Sotheby's can source a Hermès Himalayan Birkin via it's Concierge Service.
Contact a Sotheby's Handbag Specialist if you would like more information about an Hermès Himalayan Birkin.
Advantages to Collecting Birkins on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Birkin bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Birkin bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Birkin bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the most desirable Birkin bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind HSS Birkins.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Birkin 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 Birkin bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Birkin 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 Birkin 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 Birkin Bag at an Hermès 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 Birkin that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Birkins 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 Birkin.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Birkins or rare limited edition Birkin bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Birkin bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buying and Selling an Hermès Birkin at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of Hermès Birkins available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès Birkin bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find Birkins in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's also has rare and limited edition Hermès Birkin bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware. Prices for Hermès Birkin bags start at around $20,000 for larger older Birkin bags and exceed $100,000 for a Himalaya Birkin.
- Browse Hermès Birkin available for immediate delivery.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe.
- 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 Birkin bag.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
