![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1" height="1667px" width="2500px"></svg>)
H ermès occupies an iconic status in the world of luxury brands that is near impossible to beat but the maison doesn’t rest on its laurels, as seen in the numerous ways that it manages to reinvent the Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags to give the designs a fresh look while staying true to the aesthetics of the bag that made it famous.
A collection that can represent heritage, craftsmanship and creativity of Hermès will ideally be a showcase of the rainbow of colours, use of exotic leathers, different sizes and customisation possibilities that the French brand can apply to its sought-after bags. And at Sotheby’s, connoisseurs of the French brand will be sure to find that missing piece for their treasure trove.
The origins of the Hermès Birkin traces back to 1985 beginning with a chance encounter on a flight between actress and singer Jane Birkin and then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Designed to be the ideal bag, both voluminous yet elegant, the Hermès Birkin has been an icon ever since. Fast forward to today, among the limited edition designs that holds cult status is the Hermès Faubourg Birkin — a rare find that will make a collector’s eye sparkle with anticipation.
The Faubourg Birkin is so named because it showcases the architectural details of the Hermès flagship store on 24 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. Faubourg Birkins are constructed in the sturdier Birkin Sellier version in size 20 and are considered one of the hardest designs to procure. When Hermès introduced the Faubourg Birkin in 2019, it came in the two colourations of Day and Night, while a Midnight edition was introduced in 2021.
Featuring Matte Alligator flaps and a combination of Madame Swift and Sombrero leather for the body —all in black — the Midnight Faubourg Birkin is a true collector’s piece. Swift leather in the golden yellow Jaune hue is used to depict the arched windows of the Hermès flagship store, and in the famous Orange H colour for the awning. PVD hardware — metal that has been treated to include a durable coating — is given a black sheen reminiscent of that used in the So Black collection.
Any Hermès bag with diamond-set hardware is aways going to be a highly coveted item — none more so than on a chic Hermès Mini Constance. First introduced in 1959, the Hermès Constance was designed by Hermès draftswoman Catherine Chaillet while she was pregnant with her fifth child, Constance. Worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody, the most popular is the Mini Constance 18, making the present lot, a Hermès Mini Constance 18 with shiny Porosus crocodile leather in ruby red Braise and the H clasp in 18K white gold and set with diamonds, a must-have ticking the boxes among Hermès holy grails .
Hermès is known for its deft treatment of exotic leather, with its artisans able to dye it in seemingly every colour under the sun, and in a way that enhances the texture of the leather. Handbags and Accessories in Hong Kong this season are showcasing a carefully curated selection that includes a Hermès Birkin 25 in matte Mississippiensis alligator leather, in a creamy peppermint green named Vert Comics in the Hermès world, two Mini Constance 18 in Bleu Indigo and a painterly Vert Jade green. For a bag that demands attention, there is a Birkin 25 that gives of a golden yellow sheen thanks to its combination of shiny Niloticus crocodile leather and Jaune Ambre tone.
Collectors who prefer the finer textural details of Nitolicus lizard leather can also consider the only Kelly Danse available in this sale, in a shiny sapphire blue. There is also a Mini Constance 18 with gold hardware features shiny Salvatore lizard leather, with the unique patterns on the leather accentuated by the soft grey and white of the Ombre colour treatment.
It is not often that a buyer will come across a Hermès Stromboli and the one available this season features alligator leather in Cactus green for the handle and edging, while an ethereal pattern made from Plume de Coq feathers graces the body of the bag.
From the Hermès Kelly to the Lindy, mini versions of the brand’s most-loved designs are a must for every collection. The Hermès Mini Kelly II 20 is a popular one among collectors and the one available at this auction has the added distinction of being made by Hermès Special Order (HSS). Made with shiny Mississippiensis alligator leather with permabrass hardware, the Hermès HSS Mini Kelly II 20 features a body in Vert Jade while the Kelly straps and handle are in Vert Rousseau — an intriguing blue-green shade created by the maison that can even resemble black when seen under subdued lighting.
Gris Fonce is a unique grey-green colour that the house is fond of using on exotic leathers and can be seen on shiny Niloticus lizard leather in two miniature models in this collection — in a Hermès Mini Kelly II 20 with palladium hardware and in a Constance To Go, Hermès’ take on the wallet-on-chain (WOC).
While it doesn’t have a mini in its name, the Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch bag has the diminutive measurements of a miniature bag and a fan base equal to that of a Hermès Mini Kelly II 20, and the collection has one in shiny Mississippiensis alligator leather in black.
The more relaxed and playful designs in the Hermès family — the Hermès Lindy and Hermès Picotin — are also represented in mini size and make a great staple to every serious Hermès collection. Forthcoming in the auction is the Hermès Picotin 18 made with Clémence leather in gold, with the lock in matching hardware, and the Hermès Mini Lindy made with alligator leather in Beton — an elegant white shade accentuated with hints of grey, and a colour that is coveted among Hermès enthusiasts.
A Hermès bag is already eye-catching, especially so when it features an interesting colourway that is only available through Hermès Special Order (HSS) — such as the two Hermès Tri-Color HSS Birkin 30 creations in this collection. The first bag features Rose Tyrien as the main colour for the body — a vibrant pink that the brand introduced as part of its Candy Collection in 2011. Malachite, aptly named for its jewelled green tone, was chosen for the straps, handle and clochette, while the purple-blue Iris shade was used for flap. Epsom leather — the ideal material to showcase bold colours, makes this combination particularly striking, with the whole bag resembling a modern art piece.
The second Hermès Tri-Color HSS Birkin 30 uses chèvre (goat) leather and plays on contrast. Rose Confetti, a soft pink, was chosen for the body, while the deep purple-coloured flap adds a regal touch. The straps are in Soufre, a sunshine yellow, to bring a burst of brightness to the bag.
Sometimes, less is more and just small pop of colour can be all that is needed to elevate an outfit, that’s why every seasoned collection should have a Kelly-To-Go wallet, or two, for those times when one wants to carry as little as possible but make maximal fashion impact. Choose from Rose Confetti Epsom leather paired with Palladium hardware, or the soft and sophisticated Jaune de Napes yellow with gold hardware — both are sure to pack a punch.
The world of Hermès offers a myriad of choices accommodating the unique tastes and styles to make a collection truly your own. Whether it a Hermès creation in exotic leather, a holy grail or limited edition find, or one in a rare colour or hardware, Sotheby’s Handbags and Accessories has it all this season.
