While fashion houses like Hermès and Mouawad are known to break records for designing and producing the most expensive luxury products from factory to shelf, the most expensive known luxury bag to date is actually up-cycled with materials from pre-loved items. Here is a list with the 10 most expensive bags and their celebrities.
Debbie Wingham Egg Bag
This Debbie Wingham Bag, which is valued at US$6.7 million and was a special order from a US mystery buyer for 2019, has made history as the world’s most expensive bag. Wingham was sent designer pieces from previous seasons by an unknown client. Who would’ve thought that the world’s most expensive bag would be created using pre-loved items?
The upcycled purse is adorned with 8,000 diamonds, lined with an Hermès scarf and fastens with a pair of US$40,000 Cartier earrings, yet the most luxurious part of this this meticulously crafted bag is the real Emu egg as the core which was strengthened with enamel made from blue diamond dust.
Mouawad 1001 nights diamond purse
The Mouawad 1001 nights Diamond Purse is worth US$3.8 million. This heart-shaped diamond piece was most famously featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as 2011’s “World’s Most Expensive Bag”. Breaking records is a standard for Mouawad who previously held records for the most valuable jewellery box, necklace and bra.
The bag was designed by Robert Mouawad, a renowned Lebanese jewellery designer. There are 4,517 stones in the purse, 105 of which are yellow, 556 are pink and 4356 are colorless. It took 10 artisans over 8,000 continuous hours of work to complete this timeless piece of luxury.
Hermès Kelly Rose Gold
The Hermès Kelly in Rose Gold is worth US$2 million with only 12 pieces created. Designed by Hermès in collaboration with Pierre Hardy, a renowned French jeweller and shoe designer, the Kelly was fashioned out of solid rose gold manipulated to resemble crocodile leather, delicately embellished with 1,160 diamonds. Kelly is so small, it barely holds a pair sunglasses. Some have compared it to a piece worn on the wrist, rather than a bag.
Hermès Birkin by Ginza Tanaka
Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka’s Hermès Birkin takes fourth place on the list with a price tag of US$1.4 million. This 2008 Birkin is unique, with 2,000 diamonds on the exterior, and an 8-karat pear-shaped diamond that can be worn as brooch. The strap can be removed, allowing it to become a diamond pendant that matches the brooch.
Hermès Chaine’d Ancre Bag
Next on the list is the Hermès Chaine’d Ancre Bag set at US$1.4 million, created in collaboration with jeweller Pierre Hardy in 2012. The bag was a two-year project for Hardy, and only three of these bags were made. The bag, which is encrusted in 1,160 diamond-encrusted chains links, has attracted a lot of attention because of its controversial themes.
Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch
A Lana Marks’ Cleopatra Clutch ranges anywhere between US$100,000 to US$400,000. The cost range is because each Cleopatra Clutch, which is produced in a unique colour and design every year is different. Li Bingbing, a famous Chinese artist, owns the most expensive version.
As seen in the image above, Li’s name was specially inscribed in pink gold for her clutch. Lana Marks designed Li’s clutch in American alligator leather and 1,600 white diamonds to match the star’s outfit for the red carpet. Cleopatra Clutch was a favorite of celebrities on the red carpet since the early 2000s. Helen Mirren and Angelina Jolie are among the many A-listers who have carried it.
Hermès Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin
This list would not be complete without the famous Hermès Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin. This 30cm model, valued at US$379,000 was created from skin of a Nile Crocodile that had been dyed extensively to lighten the tone.
Kim Kardashian and her sister Kylie Jenner were seen casually carrying the bag as they went to a football match. Kris Jenner was also seen with the bag.
Feather Embroidery Sellier Mosaïque Kelly 32 with Palladium Hardware
This Sellier Kelly was auctioned at Christie’s for US$352,825 in 2010, most recognisable for the distinct mosaic weave on the body in neutral, earthy tones.
Hermès Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin
The Hermès Faubourg Birkin was named after the House’s flagship store in Paris, the front of the bag hand-stitching different types of alligator leathers together to the likeness of the Faubourg storefront.
This Birkin not only demonstrates the skilful craftsmanship of Hermès ateliers, but also serves a homage to Hermès history. In 2022, the Faubourg Birkin sold for US$320,000.
Chanel Diamond Forever Handbag
Diamond Forever by Chanel is not the last, as it costs US$261,000. Karl Lagerfeld was the designer of this bag. Handcrafted with care from a crocodile skin in a white chalky color, this bag lets the Chanel logo, which is adorned with 344 diamonds at the clasp, take center stage. Due to its rarity, there are only 13 pieces in the entire world.
This article first appeared on GRAZIA Malaysia.
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