10 Of The Rarest Hermès Bags Of All Time
The French maison knows a thing or two about producing valuable keepsakes, and these exquisite handbags are some of the most sought-after gems in the world
Hermès handbags are in a realm of their own. The French luxury house, known for its lavish leather goods and exquisite accessories, has created a phenomenon out of its coveted Kelly and Birkin designs, first launched in the 1930s and 1980s respectively. With only a limited quantity produced each year, these two styles are considerably difficult to acquire.
Hermès has also managed to create even more exclusive versions with a range of limited-edition, one-of-a-kind pieces. Featuring exotic materials and an array of unique colours and patterns, discerning collectors have long vied to get their hands on these artisanal creations. Below Bazaar Arabia shares 10 of the rarest Hermès handbags of all time.
10 Of The Rarest Hermès Handbags Of All Time
The Faubourg Birkin
Released in 2019, the Faubourg Birkin captures the architectural grandeur of the Hermès flagship store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris. The Faubourg is a display of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring intricate renderings of the boutique’s stone walls, arched windows, and roof structure. Initially introduced in two colourways – navy and brown – it was later produced in a Minuit edition, done in almost all black, and a Neige version, depicting a snowy day and embracing a light colour palette.
The Faubourg is the first Birkin to be crafted in a 20 centimetre size and feature Sellier stitching – details that are usually specific of the Kelly. It also adorned with an orange Hermès shopping bag, in replace of the classic key-holding clochette.
The Shadow Birkin
Designed by creative director Jean Paul Gaultier, who helmed the house from 2003 to 2010, the Shadow Birkin was introduced in 2009, showcasing a minimalistic take on the classic Birkin. The design featured a skilful trompe-l’oeil effect that created the illusion of a top flap, a strap, and original hardware emblematic of the Birkin.
In 2021, Hermès re-released the design in limited quantities and an exclusive array of colours. The Shadow Birkin 25 retailed for approximately Dhs110,190.
The Kelly Doll
The Kelly Doll personifies a more playful side of the luxury Maison. The design was conjured by CEO Jean-Louis Dumas while sketching one day, and features leather details crafted as two arched eyebrows, a shy smile, studs as eyes, and a turnlock that resembles a nose. The bag’s most defining feature is its sangles, which have been transformed into protruding arms that can be maneuvered into different positions. A pair of leather feet stick out from underneath. The original Kelly Doll, available from 2000 to 2005, came in eight colourways: Rouge H, Black, Orange H, Noisette, Blue Saphir, Vert Olive, Vert Cru and Rouge Vif.
Over the years, Hermès released limited-edition versions of the Kelly Doll, including a 2023 iteration, known as the Kelly Doll Picto, which showcased a unique, pixel art design.
The Osier Picnic Kelly
The Osier Picnic Kelly debuted in 2011 as the perfect luxury summer accessory. The style is handcrafted from woven wicker, complete with palladium hardware and sleek leather trim in a vibrant array of colours. Reportedly requiring two craftspeople to create – one for the body which takes over 10 hours to weave, and one for the leather – the design is a testament to Hermès’ unparalleled craftsmanship. The house has released numerous limited-edition versions over the years, such as the Mini Picnic Kelly 35, which debuted at the Resort 2019 runway show.
The Plush Teddy Shearling Kelly
This plush accessory was a product of Jean Paul Gaultier’s creative mind. Designed for his Autumn/Winter 2005 collection, the body of the bag is lined with Fauve Doblis Suede, while the handles and edges are complemented by a layer of Mouton Shearling, giving the classic Kelly 35 a cosy and tactile upgrade. The luxurious textures are complemented by palladium hardware, making this a truly statement seasonal piece.
The Feather Kelly
In another sartorial twist to the classic Kelly, Hermès partnered with specialists of haute couture feather and flower creations, Maison Lemarié, to produce a range of limited-edition bags adorned with peacock, guineafowl or rooster feathers, in array of eye-catching styles and colours. Each feather is carefully attached by hand, forming a majestic tuft along the bag’s front panel. One of the most coveted of these iterations is the Hermès Kelly 32 Feather So Black – an elevated version of the already limited-edition all-black Kelly, featuring a panel of lavish natural feathers.
The Cargo Birkin
When it launched in 1984, the Birkin was introduced as a practical yet stylish staple for a busy woman on-the-go. Now, the Cargo Birkin expands on this original concept with a design that’s considered as its most practical to date. Featuring five outer pockets and cup holder, the Cargo Birkin is an ideal travel companion, and brings a trendy, utilitarian twist to Hermès’ classic sensibilities. The Cargo Birkin is available in a selection of neutral colourways, including black, sesame, and chai, and is offered in the 35 cm size.
The So Black Birkin
This black on black Birkin sported a special PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating on the hardware, along with saturated black leather, giving it, it’s dark colourway. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for his Autumn 2010 collection, the bag was produced in numerous variations, such as with alligator skin and feathers, giving it an exotic twist whilst maintaining its monochromatic appeal.
The In And Out Birkin
Released in 2021, Hermès’ In and Out collection features the classic Birkin and Kelly re-interpreted with an x-ray vision inside the bag’s contents. Through playful artwork, the design proposes what one might be keeping inside their handbag, including an Hermès Rodeo Charm, Hermès lipstick, a small Hermès dust bag, an Hermès pencil wrapped in braided leather, and a chaine d’ancre strap coin purse. The Hermès In and Out collection is available in biscuit, nata, and white.
The Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere
The Kellywood was the first Kelly handbag to be introduced in a size 22. The multicoloured design features meticulously cut strips of leather and wood to form an intricate geometric pattern that resembles the Perspective Cavalière Scarf print, originally designed in 2014 in collaboration with Parisian-based art and design consultancy, Anamorphée. The body is made from solid beechwood, while the pattern is a culmination of six different types of leather, 11 colours, and a skilful marquetry technique, mastered by Hermès’ exceptional artisans.
Lead Image Photography: Ingrid Rasmussen. Styling: Nour Bou Ezz.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s December 2021 issue