The luxury handbag market garners significant interest from buyers across a range of different pools and demographics – from investment buyers to style lovers, luxury brand aficionados, and collectors. Whether it’s the latest Hermès Birkin or a new season Chanel Classic, any new release of a luxury handbag from one of the world’s top brands inspires huge interest among buyers. In fact, it’s this interest – and the imbalance between supply and demand – which makes the handbags such effective and successful investments.
So, if that’s the case with luxury handbags in general, then what happens when one of these luxury brands brings out a limited edition model or statement piece?
The very label of a limited edition bag is designed to capture the interest of buyers across all the aforementioned pools – citing that this specific piece is limited in availability and thus likely to create a storm among style lovers and investment buyers alike. While limited edition can mean anything from designer collaboration to specific colourways and materials, for the most part this is a label which – if anything – ignites even more interest in the piece.
And as we know, high interest and high demand only stoke the fire for luxury brands – creating even more interest and pushing prices sky high for new and vintage collections.
Here are some examples of the most coveted limited edition luxury handbags that have hit the market over the past few years, demonstrating the way that the world’s top brands refresh brand interest again and again.
Hermès Himalaya Birkin Bag
The Himalaya Birkin Bag is a Hermès classic which fans of the brand will almost certainly be aware of and have heard about. Considered one of the rarest luxury handbags in the world, the Himalaya Birkin owes its coveted and limited edition status to a number of things, including the incredible attention to detail and the use of a rare and refined Nile crocodile hide which is exceptionally different to come by. This, combined with the integration of diamonds and white gold hardware gives this luxury handbag its high price tag and even higher position in the list of most coveted handbags.
Hermès Kelly Rose Gold Bag
To stick with the Hermès brand, this particular bag is an example of a piece born from an exclusive collaboration, which saw the Hermès designers team up with jeweller Pierre Hardy to create something exquisite and intricately laced with diamonds.
The brief in creating this bag was to bring the classic Hermès Kelly bag to life in sold rose gold, mimicking the textures of crocodile skin, with a working clasp and incredible detail. The end result is a multi-million dollar creation which can just about fit a lipstick inside, but which is considered one of the most coveted accessories in the world.
Only 12 of these bags exist, across four different styles with just three of each style available. It doesn’t get much more limited than that!
Chanel Diamond Forever Bag
The Chanel Diamond Forever bag is another piece of which only a handful were made – in this case 13 individuals bags, immediately ticking the box which renders this a limited edition creation.
This bag is constructed from a matte white alligator hide, has an 18k white gold strap, and uses 334 diamonds across the clasp’s detailing. All of this comes together to present an exquisite and intricate bag which follows the design and shape of a classic Chanel flap bag but with luxurious detailing. Not to mention, with Chanel ceasing its use of exotic leathers back in 2018 citing ethical reasons, these bags made using alligator hide are even rarer and thus more valuable among buyers seeking unique finishes and creations.
Is a luxury handbag a good investment?
Despite sharing just three of the most coveted limited edition handbags from the luxury world, there are plenty of other pieces out there which combine limited supply with incredible demand – owing their luxury status to the highest standard of creation, the most unique designs, and the most exclusive and luxurious materials.
If you’re considering a luxury handbag investment, it’s important to find a reputable reseller who offers formal valuation and authentication as well as access to the top brands on the market. Armed with the right information, a luxury handbag can be a future-proof investment which unites your affinity for stylish goods with a piece that will only increase in value – especially if you select something from a limited edition collection.
