Hermes is famous for its crocodile leather bags. Hermes Kelly models are always ranked among the most expensive handbags in the world.
According to auction house Sotheby's, most of the most expensive Hermes bags are Himalayan designs made from albino crocodile skin.
In 2023, a size 28 diamond design sold for $425,000 (VND 10.5 billion).
The second most expensive albino crocodile bag is a Retourne size 25 design with palladium hardware, priced at more than $373,000 (VND9.2 billion) sold in Paris, France.
In addition, the Kelly 20 Diamond Crocodile bag in shiny black, made of saltwater crocodile leather, 18K white gold hardware, encrusted with diamonds, sold for 214,630 USD (5.3 billion VND) is also on the list of Hermes' most expensive bags.
The full name of this bag line is Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin. They are not circulated publicly on the market but are only sold to VIP customers in very limited quantities, according to Vogue.
According to Boomberg, all information about production quantity, time and distribution location is kept secret by Hermes, even from the Sales Directors of the branches.
Typically, VIP customers have to wait from several months to several years to get their hands on this bag. Hermes only produces 1-2 Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin handbags a year.
Hermes uses a strategy of creating scarcity, only giving them to loyal customers who spend a lot on the brand. Therefore, the "craze" for crocodile leather handbags has lasted for many years and has not cooled down.
Many luxury brand followers are willing to wait and pay to maintain VIP status for the chance to own a rare albino Hermes.
The fashion house also never announces the quantity, design and distribution schedule for each branch in the world. Due to its high-end and luxurious nature, the Birkin handbag line is not sold online on the homepage.
Retailers of Hermes' albino crocodile bag say it's difficult to know exactly what conditions customers will be able to get their hands on.
Because the albino crocodile leather bag model is not kept on the shelf like other limited product lines, it cannot be made to order.
Previously, Hermes had a waiting list system and customers would have to wait their turn to order the Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin.
However, the brand has removed the above list system and secured the connection, ordering, and transaction process. Therefore, only powerful VIPs and famous stars have the privilege of owning this bag model.
Currently, the retail price for a 25cm Himalaya Birkin ranges from $45,000 to $65,000. However, the actual value of these bags on the secondary market is much higher when adding in surcharges, taxes and insurance.
