Crafting Hermès: The Madison 706 Kelly 25 and the Birkin 20

Hermès created this bag to commemorate the opening of its new flagship store in New York City, at 706 Madison Avenue, in 2022. Making its global auction debut this season in Hong Kong, this limited edition bag – which draws its namesake Madison 706 from the flagship store – is offered in a vibrant Bleu Electrique and Multicolour Swift calf leather featuring the colourful “Hommage a Gene Kelly” pattern designed by visual artist Geoff McFetridge. The striking and colourful graphic pattern portrays dancers in American actor, dancer and choreographer Gene Kelly’s trademark loafers and white socks twirling to energetic steps and the sounds of New Orleans jazz. Made using a leather marquetry technique, which requires utmost precision and skill to cut and assemble the various pieces of leather together to achieve the silhouette of the dancers, the craftsmanship on the Madison 706 Kelly 25 goes above and beyond the extraordinary artisanal skills already needed to craft a Kelly or Birkin. Whimsical and intriguing, to have the opportunity to own a Madison 706 Kelly 25 is sure to excite many a collector looking for that extra special item.

First unveiled in 2019, the Hermès Faubourg Birkins pay homage to the maison’s flagship store in Paris on 24 Rue de Faubourg St — a store that has the historic significance of being the brand’s first boutique. Three arched windows complete with the orange awnings capture the architectural essence of the store’s iconic façade on the front of the Birkin. The first two versions of the Faubourg Birkin – also known as the “House Birkin” – came in Day and Night colourations instantly making it a hit among collectors. In 2021, Hermès followed up with Minuit (Midnight) and Neige (Snow).

All Faubourg Birkins feature the awning in the brand’s signature Orange H Swift colour, in addition to a miniature Hermès shopping bag as the clochette. The black of the Midnight Faubourg Birkin 20 provides a striking contrast to the windows in Jaune Ambre Swift leather. Bringing variation and depth to the black hue, the Black Matte Alligator used for the flap, Black Madame calfskin for the body and Black Sombrero leather for the base, beautifully demonstrates the many advanced leatherwork master by Hermès artisans.

The Faubourg Birkin 20 has stirred up excitement among collectors for a Birkin in that size, now also known as a Mini Birkin or Baby Birkin. Hermès obliged and gave its fans what they wanted by introducing the Birkin 20 in exotic leathers such as Matte Alligator, albeit in small quantities. The newest collector obsession, the Birkin 20 Sellier in Matte Alligator first became available on the secondary market in 2023 – mostly spotted in Vert D’eau and Black colours.

The Gris Cement, a subtle grey-green shade that elevates the dainty look of the Birkin 20 is among several new shades being released by Hermès, and this present bag offered by Sotheby’s marks the first time Gris Ciment Matte Alligator Birkin 20 appears at auction.