Hermès bags are coveted by collectors for their quality and exclusivity. ‘They are now the most valuable handbags in the world,’ says Rachel Koffsky Parker, international head of Handbags and Accessories at Christie’s in New York. ‘The rarest of these are the Hermès Himalaya bags, which feature a colour gradation that resembles the snow-capped Himalaya mountains.’ In 2021, a Himalaya Kelly 28 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware sold for HK$4,000,000 (around US$513,000) at Christie’s in Hong Kong, a record price for any Kelly sold at auction anywhere.
The Faubourg Birkin has also performed exceptionally well, with a rare Snow example selling for HK$4,318,000 in May 2026, and a limited-edition Rouge fetching €635,000 in June.
As demand has continued to increase, however, so too has the number of counterfeit Hermès bags on the market. ‘When authenticating Hermès bags prior to sale, we look for subtle but important idiosyncrasies in the material, construction and hardware,’ says Koffsky Parker. ‘It is important to keep in mind, however, that Hermès bags are primarily made by hand, so there are exceptions to every rule. You should seek advice from a trusted expert to verify the authenticity if in doubt.’
Here, the specialist outlines a number of key steps to establish whether a bag is the genuine article.