Handbags have long been a girl's best friend, but in the modern day, they also represent a girl's wealth, status, and fashion sense. It's safe to say it's no longer just an accessory in the world of haute couture.
The luxury handbag industry is dominating, with several billion dollars to its name, driven by high-profile collaborations, celebrity endorsements, and perhaps even rare materials that make its build.
World-renowned brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton come to mind when one thinks of a luxury handbag. These brands have years-long waiting lists before one can even get their hands on such a bag.
Whether it be crocodile skin or diamonds or the intricate craftsmanship that makes these bags so expensive, owning such bags can be likened to investing in a piece of history.
In this list, we're looking at some of the most expensive bags to go down in the annals of history, alongside a justification for their astronomical price tag.
7 of the most expensive handbags in the world
1) Hermès Kelly Rose Gold Handbag
This bag retails for a whopping $2 million, most of which can be attributed to the 1,160 diamonds it features and the solid rose gold plating. The bag was designed in collaboration between Hermès and shoe designer Pierre Hardy.
The bag can also be transformed into a bangle. Notably, the rose gold replicates the hide of a crocodile, making this piece stunning.
2) Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse
Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse (Image via Mouawad)
Priced at a whopping $3.8 million, this heart-shaped purse is one of a kind. It's made of 18-carat solid gold and has an astounding 4,517 diamonds embedded into it.
Most of the diamonds are light silver, with some yellow and dark pink stones breaking up the design. Notably, the Guinness World Records named it the most expensive handbag in the world in 2010.
3) Hermès Chaine D'Ancre Bag
This edgy handbag will set you back $1.4 million. Only three of these were ever created, all in collaboration with jeweler Pierre Hardy. Reportedly, it took about two years to create this piece for the brand's 'Haute Bijouterie' Collection. The bag is adorned with over a thousand diamonds in its chain links, making it truly stand out.
4) LANA MARKS Matte Silver Alligator Cleopatra Clutch
Chinese actress Li Bingbing is the proud owner of this custom handbag, which she showed off at the 2012 Oscars. The bag is encrusted with 45 carats of white diamonds set in 18K white gold, while the actress's name is strewn across the flap in pink diamonds and 18K pink gold. The bag retails for a sky-high $400,000.
5) Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin
This rare Birkin is made from 18k white gold, with over 240 diamonds encrusted on its hardware. Its dual-tone crocodile leather justifies its $379,000 price tag. Features include tonal stitching, a front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, a clochette with a lock and two keys, and double-rolled handles.
6) Chanel's "Diamond Forever" Handbag
This stunning white crocodile-hide piece has about 334 white-gold diamonds embedded into it, setting you back about $261,000. Only 13 of these bags were ever created, and they are the most expensive bags the company has ever made. The detachable strap is made of 18-karat gold as well, contributing to the bag's value.
7) Fuchsia Diamond-Studded Hermès Birkin
Akin to the brand's Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin, this bag comes in a vibrant pink tone in the same crocodile hide and costs a mere $222,000. Back in 2015, this bag sold for $1.72 million Hong Kong dollars during an auction. The bag is encrusted in diamonds, and its hardware is made of 18k white gold.
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These bags, whether due to the crocodile leather or diamond-encrusted hardware, are undoubtedly a testament to the time, money, and craftsmanship that go into their creation.
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