The world's most expensive and stylish purses are made of exotic or exquisite materials. Individually handcrafted by highly skilled craftsman who pay close attention to details, these purses become heirlooms.
1. 2014 Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 30
A 2014, Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 30 featuring hardware made of 18K white gold, diamond encrusted hardware was sold in 2017 by Christie's in Hong Kong. The total carat weight of VVS clarity diamond hardware was 10.23. The bag also features a clochette, small dust bag, lock and keys, another dust bag, 2 boxes (1 small), and a leather pouch.
Most Desirable Handbag in Existence
This handbag sold for HK $2,940,000. Christie's set a world record in Hong Kong for the most expensive bag ever sold at auction with £293,000. Around $380,000 USD. Christie's dubbed the Himalaya Diamond handbag as the "most desirable handbag in existence"! The year before in 2016, on Christie's 30th anniversary, Christie's in Hong Kong sold the Himalaya Birkin Diamond handbag for $300,168 USD.
2. 2019 White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Kelly 25
Hermès is a French manufacturer of high fashion luxury and an unprecedented worldwide phenomenon among collectors when it introduced the limited Hermès Himalaya Birkin series. The Kelly is considered by collectors destined to be an heirloom. A 2019 Rare, Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Kelly 25 with palladium hardware sold for HK$1,875,000 at Christie's in Hong Kong. That is around $241,000 USD.
3. 2018 White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25
A 2018 Hermès, Rare, Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 featuring palladium hardware sold in 2019 at Christie's in Hong Kong. The Himalaya Birkin series ranks as the most expensive purses sold! Eager collectors bid for these cherished handbags that feature flawless workmanship and rare craftsmanship and skills. This purse sold for HK$1,625,000 that is the equivalent of around $208,000 USD.
4. Himalaya Birkin Crocodile Matte 30
ModeSens features a pre-owned Hermès Himalaya Birkin Crocodile Matte 30. Hermès Birkin purses are such high quality that they can be repaired for life and also passed down as heirlooms. According to Fortune, Birkin purses are also considered investment items since they regularly bring in much more than their original sale price on the secondary market. Named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin, each leather handbag is handmade by trained craftsmen. If you're looking for a Birkin purse, your best venue is through an auction house. This purse is featured in a white and brown combination and sells for $199,999.
5. Hermès Rare, Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25
Named for the Himalayas with their imposing snow-capped peaks, the 2019, Rare, Matte White Hermès Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30 features a coloring that reflects these impressive mountains. Decorated with the highly desirable palladium hardware, this handbag is touted as a wearable work of art!
Craftsmanship Equals Expensive
The labor-intensive dyeing process to achieve gradual coloration in the crocodile hide is dependent upon highly skill craftsmanship. The smoky gray moves from the outer edges slowly transforming into a stunning pearl white in the center for the bag. Straps, handles and side panels beautifully repeat this gradation of grey to white. In 2019, Christie's in London sold one of these handbags for around $162,000 USD (£125,000).
6. Luminosity American Alligator Purse
Coomi Luminosity American Alligator Purse is a clutch purse fashioned from American alligator and finished in a patent leather. The half-cuff handle is made of 20k gold and fashioned so you can slip your hand in it to hold the clutch. A total of 8.19cts diamonds paves and slices decorate the half-cuff handle.
Coomi Bhasin Designs
Coomi Bhasin is known for her sculptures, and jewelry designs. In 2017, she launched a few unique and stylish handbags as part of her spring collection. Her handbag designs received accolades. This purse features an inside pouch with a magnetic closure and the gold Coomi logo and sells for around $80,000.
7. The Row Margaux 15 Alligator Top-Handle Bag
The Row Margaux 15 Alligator top-handle bag is featured on ModeSens and is available in the saddle color. Introduced in 2018, the Row Margaux 15 Alligator features a row top handle made of genuine alligator. The top handles are rolled, and the open top has a buckle closure. Outside you find adjustable side buckles. The interior of the bag features a suede lining. The purse also boasts two slip pockets, and one zip pocket. The bottom is protected by feet.
Accolades and Award for The Row
The Row was launched in 2006 by sisters Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. Since then, the sisters expanded their brand to feature handbags, eyewear and ready-to-wear. In 2012, the Council of Fashion Designers of America named the sisters as the top womenswear designers in the U.S. The bag is for sell on ModeSens for $65,000.
8. Hermès Matte Sanguine Alligator Birkin Bag Bold Orange
One unique characteristic of the Matte Sanguine Alligator Birkin Bag is the bright, bold orange hue, making it perfect for year-round use. Birkin bags are such high quality that they can be repaired for life and also passed down as heirlooms. Specialty exotic leathers, such as the alligator leather for the Hermès Sanguine Alligator Birkin, are dramatically pricier. If you've been looking for a classic reptile bag, the Hermes Matte Sanguine Alligator Birkin Bag with gold hardware available at Lady Hermèzz for $61,000.
9. Gucci Women's Red Sylvie Crocodile Top Handle Bag
The Gucci Women's Red Sylvie Crocodile Top Handle Bag is made in Italy. Gucci is a leader in luxury Italian luxury brand of fashion and leather goods. The Italian luxury brand, Gucci is a long-time favorite of customers.It features top handles, but the striking part of the design is the navy and red nylon web set within the upper part of the bag. The nylon is decorated with a gold buckle latch design stylized with a gold link chain. The Gucci logo is easily seen on the buckle design. This bag sells for $34,000.
- The hibiscus red crocodile hide has a soft sheen.
- An interior zip pocket and smartphone pocket are great finds.
- The top handles have a 5" drop.
- The detachable shoulder strap has a 16.5" drop
World's Most Expensive Purses Roundup
The World's most expensive purses are extraordinary quality and hand-crafted by skilled artisans. Only the finest materials are used with alligator, and crocodile hides being the favorite choices. These handbags are more than luxury items, they can be a way to invest your money.
