Top Five Hermès Purses to Start Your Collection
Explore the top five Hermès purses every collector should own.
I f you're new to collecting Hermès handbags and unsure where to begin, Sotheby’s Handbag Specialists are here to guide you. We've carefully selected our top five picks, considering versatility, popularity, and durability. While there are countless Hermès designs to explore, we’ve found that most collectors prefer to start with the brand’s most timeless styles. Thanks to their unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, Hermès handbags are not only built to last but often become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations. Read on to discover our top five Hermès purses to start your collection.
Hermès Birkin 30
The Hermès Birkin is the original "It Bag"—the ultimate symbol of success and sophistication. Even for Hermès enthusiasts who favor the Kelly, the Birkin remains a must-have piece. While the trend for smaller handbags has skyrocketed in recent years, making the mini Birkin 25 one of the most sought-after styles on the resale market, larger Birkins like the Birkin 35 once dominated the scene for decades.
For those beginning their Hermès collection, the Birkin 30 is an excellent choice. This size is highly coveted for its perfect balance of design and practicality. When it comes to leather, Togo and Epsom are popular, durable options, ideal for everyday use without compromising elegance. As for color, Black, Gold, or Etoupe are timeless and versatile choices. Black, in particular, has been a staple in Hermès' handbag history, making it the ultimate classic for a first Birkin.
Hermès Kelly 28
The Hermès Kelly predates the Birkin and has a had a loyal following for decades. One of its standout features is the inclusion of a shoulder strap, offering the convenience of hands-free use—a detail many collectors adore.
The Kelly comes in two styles: the soft, relaxed Retourne and the more structured, elegant Sellier. Retourne Kellys are commonly crafted in supple leathers like Togo and Clemence, making them a favorite for their casual versatility. In contrast, Sellier Kellys, often made in Epsom leather, boast a sleek and polished look. Neutral shades such as Etoupe and Gold remain particularly popular for their timeless appeal and adaptability.
The rising mini bag trend has skyrocketed the demand (and prices) for Hermès Mini Kelly Bags, so we recommend starting with the Kelly 28. Its balanced size and practicality make it a versatile and essential addition to any Hermès collection.
Hermès Vintage Kelly
With over a century of craftsmanship, Hermès' legacy shines through its vintage designs. No collection would be complete without at least one vintage design. The ultimate vintage Hermès purse is undoubtedly a Black Box Sellier Kelly with Gold Hardware. Introduced in the early 1920s, Box leather has become a hallmark of Hermès. While it is prone to scratching, its unique charm lies in the stunning patina it develops over time—an incomparable feature not found in modern handbags. Finding a vintage Hermès purse in excellent condition may require patience, but the reward is a timeless treasure.
Hermès Kelly Pochette
No Hermès collection is complete without at least one clutch. Among the various Hermès clutches inspired by the iconic Kelly design, the Kelly Pochette stands out as the most popular choice today. This elegant mini bag reimagines the classic trapezoidal shape of the Kelly, replacing the structured top handle with a sleek, thin hand strap for a modern twist. Perfect for evening occasions and formal events, the Kelly Pochette exudes sophistication, while exotic leather versions add an extra touch of allure, making it a true statement piece.
Hermès Contance
The Hermès Constance predates the Birkin by several decades, offering a timeless elegance that has made it a staple in the brand’s lineup. Designed for shoulder or crossbody wear, the Constance is instantly recognizable by its bold H-clasp and is most commonly available in 18 cm and 24 cm sizes. Recently, Hermès reintroduced the original single-gusset Constance 24, a move that delighted collectors. Its spacious single interior compartment enhances its practicality, making it ideal for everyday use. For fans of mini Hermès bags, the Constance also comes in a compact 14 cm size—a chic and versatile option for those who prefer smaller purses.
Bonus: Hermès Evelyne
Designed in 1978, the Hermès Evelyne is a timeless design that has become an instantly recognizable symbol of the brand. Originally created for use in equestrian settings, its perforated ‘H’ logo was designed to allow airflow, helping equestrian tools dry while stored inside. Today, the Evelyne remains a beloved choice for its practicality and effortless style. Collectors are especially drawn to the Evelyne TPM, a compact and versatile version available in a wide array of colors and easily paired with interchangeable straps for a personalized touch.
Advantages to Buying an Hermès Bag on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase 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 Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès 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 Hermès bag 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 Hermès Bag at a 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 Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags 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 Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell an Hermès Bag at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- 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 bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
