An example of a legendary Paris-made handbag that is strictly rationed by its makers could be yours at a British collectibles dealer.
Sellers Paul Fraser Collectibles call the Hermès Kelly Pochette, “one of the rarest and most desirable luxury handbags in the world.”
This special edition bag was designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, one of France’s top couture fashion designers, in 2004.
The Pochette of its name means pocket, and it’s a small, but extremely elegant bag, the perfect size to pop a phone in.
A detail from the bag, made to the highest standards by skilled artisans using tried-and-tested techniques. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
It was handmade in Paris, using 19th-century techniques with a single Nile monitor lizard skin.
Hermès bags are always in demand, and this is one of their ‘quota’ bags. No-one – whoever they are – is allowed to buy more than two of these from the company each year.
Paul Fraser, chairman of the company, says the bag is the only one of its kind currently in Europe.
Grace Kelly, the Hollywood star for whom the bag style is named.
He said: “Even by Hermès standards, the Kelly Pochette in lizard skin is considered rare by collectors.
“They are virtually unobtainable.
“Stylists advise even their wealthiest clients to have a ‘Plan B’ if they request this bag, because their chances of acquiring one are so slim.”
There is a vibrant secondary market in luxury handbags.
The world record holder is a $3.8-million bag that owes most of its value to the diamonds with which it is decorated.
When it comes to pure design, Chanel, but especially Hermès rule the roost.
For example, at Sotheby’s later this month, almost every item with an estimate exceeding CHF10,000 (just over £9,000) is a Hermès.
The top item with a high estimate of nearly £140,000 is a 2021 Hermès crocodile bag.
The Hermès store in 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris has been the epicentre of a global brand since 1880, when the company moved there.
Hermès was founded in 1837 in Paris, originally selling saddles and bridles for horses.
Now it is a luxury legend. Its two most famous bags are named for iconic actors: the “Kelly” bag for Grace Kelly and the “Birkin” for Jane Birkin.
Both are produced in myriad variations, all of which are highly collectible. A fairly standard Kelly pochette will cost you well over $6,000 off the shelf.
Mr Fraser says this example was bought in 2006 at Hermès’ New Bond Street store in London.
The bags are so hard to come by that they are considered an investment.
Mr Fraser said: “In the last 10 years the value of the handbag market has grown by 85.5%. And Hermès bags are at the very forefront of this market.
“They are no longer simply fashion accessories or status symbols. They offer you a secure place to store your wealth, with a clear track record of growth that spans decades.”
The Hermès Kelly Pochette is for sale now at Paul Fraser Collectibles. The price tag? £30,000.
