Fashion is fast-moving, collections change with the seasons and often even more frequently. What is hype today is completely out tomorrow. But there are fashion accessories that, regardless of any fashion trend, are as sought-after today as they were years ago. The flagship in this category is the handbags of the Hermès brand.

The lady who wears a Birkin, Kelly Bag, Constance or other Hermès models proves style, class and demonstrates her wealth at the same time. Hermès bags require a certain investment, but their owner can wear them every day and yet, with careful handling and expert care, Hermès bags do not lose their value even after years, quite the opposite. The resale value of many pre-owned Hermès bags is often higher than the original price. Depending on the model and the leather, it can even be many times higher.

Originally, Hermès specialized in the production of horse harnesses, bridles, and saddles, but for more than 100 years, bags have been made from leather goods at the company’s Paris headquarters that are among the most sought-after and expensive in the world. For years, Hermès has skillfully used a classic strategy: artificial scarcity ensures that supply exceeds demand. In addition, fashion enthusiasts are prepared to spend more and more on a designer handbag.

The special market for collectors and the pre-owned market too currently knows only one trend: rising prices. For some years now, auctions of fashion accessories have therefore also been an attractive mainstay for the auction house Christie’s, which used to deal primarily in works of art worth millions. And the auction of Hermès bags plays a central role in Christie’s fashion division.

POLO&LUXURY Coffee Table Book met Lucile Andreani, Head of Handbags Europe at Christie’s and asked the expert for an insight into the Hermès handbag market.

Read the interview in the POLO&LUXURY Coffee Table Book edition 44 – Order your personal copy here – Download