Most of us can get behind art as an investment. Jewelry too. But what about exorbitant designer bags? According to Credit Suisse, high-end handbags are one of the best investments of 2023—bumped up above both art and jewelry.
So what’s in a bag?
Like most collector’s items, the price tag elicited by some of the most expensive bag brands is less about the functionality of the bag and more about the exclusivity of it. Whether they’re made from Emu eggs, encrusted with diamonds or adorned feathers, these bags are one-of-a-kind masterpieces, designed to attract the attention of prominent figures and in-the-know investors.
Want to know what one might spend to get their hands on them?
Let the cat out of the bag (sorry, we had to). From Wingham to Chanel (and a lot of Hermès in between), here are the world’s most expensive handbags.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As luxury enthusiasts and in-the-know sartorial investors, Luxe Digital editors are committed to staying up to date with the most popular luxury brands, as well as less well-known up-and-comers.
For this article, we compiled our list of the world’s most expensive bags based on the most recent evaluations provided by reliable, trustworthy sources.
The 13 most expensive bags in the world
13. Chanel Diamond Forever – $261,000
Famously auctioned off by Madonna at the Cinema Against AIDS benefit in 2008 for $261,000, the Chanel Diamond Forever bag is one of the world’s most expensive and extravagant bags.
Adorned with 335 diamonds (totaling 2.56 carats), encrusted over fine alligator skin, and featuring an 18-karat white gold chain, the decadent accessory is one of the most famous and exclusive Chanel bags ever created.
Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, only thirteen units of the classic flap bag were ever produced, meaning that it’s likely to grow in value over time.
Best for: Proof that Chanel bags, just like diamonds, are forever.
| First released: | 2008 |
| Price: | $261,000 |
12. Hermès So Black Feather Kelly – $300,000
As one of the most expensive bag brands, it’s no surprise that Hermès bags appear throughout our list, starting with the Hermès So Black Feather Kelly. The iconic accessory was first introduced in 2010, as the signature piece in the Hermès So Black Black Collection, paying homage to famous designer, Gaultier during his final runway show.
Created in collaboration with French feather métier Maison Lemarié, the aptly-named tote is characterized by its all-black exterior, beautifully embellished with a panel of black feathers. The limited edition handbag was sold for $300,000 at a Christie’s auction in 2022.
Best for: Birds of a feather fashion together.
| First released: | 2010 |
| Price: | $300,000 |
11. Hermès Feather Embroidery Sellier Mosaïque Kelly – $354,381
Characterized by a collage of multi-color feathers, the Hermès Feather Embroidery Sellier Mosaïque Kelly was sold for $354,381 in 2010 during a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.
Besides its signature mosaic of muted, neutral-toned feathers, the gorgeous silhouette features the classic Kelly detailing such as palladium hardware, tote handles and a leather luggage tag. As one of the most innovative handbags ever designed, the limited edition model embodies the affluent brand’s innovative approach to exclusive luxury.
Best for: Flying high in affluent circles.
| First released: | 2010 |
| Price: | $354,381 |
10. Hermès Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin – $400,000
Featuring both alligator and chèvre leather, Faubourg is one of the most sought-after collector items, with the Matte Alligator Faubourg Birkin eliciting the highest price tag. Sold for $400,00 in early 2022 via private sale, the high end handbag is one of the world’s most expensive bags.
The Hermès Birkin Faubourg, first released in 2019, is also known as the ‘House Birkin’. Its design is a tribute to Hermès history, faithfully reproducing the facade of Hermès’ flagship boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. While the collector’s item comes in four unique colorways, the most expensive is the neige or “snow” with orange accents.
Best for: A piece of Hermès’ history.
| First released: | 2019 |
| Price: | $400,000 |
9. Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch – $400,000
Inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and initially designed for the 2001 Oscars, the Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch quickly became a red-carpet essential in the early noughties, seen on the arms of countless celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Winslet and Angelina Jolie.
While some versions of the clutch sell for $100,000, the most expensive model was created for Chinese actress and singer Li Bingbing, valued at $400,000. The extravagant bag is adorned with 1,500 small black diamonds, with the star’s name written in pink 18K gold and embellished with pink diamonds. It’s a showstopper, for sure.
Best for: Being red-carpet ready.
| First released: | 2001 |
| Price: | $400,000 |
8. Hermès Himalaya Birkin – $450,000
Seen on the arms of Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner, the Hermès Himalaya Birkin is one of the rarest and most valuable bags in the world. Even those without diamond-encrusted white gold hardware elicit exorbitant price tags. So you can only imagine what one with it does. Especially if it’s also made from Niloticus (read: from the Nile River) crocodile skin.
Living up to its affluent reputation, the snow-capped mountain-inspired Birkin sold for $450,000 at the Sotheby’s auction in 2022, making it one of the most valuable Birkins to date.
Best for: A pinnacle of Hermès’ artistry and tradition.
| First released: | 2008 |
| Price: | $450,000 |
7. Louis Vuitton Millionaire Speedy – $1 million
The Millionaire Speedy bag is the mogul version of the brand’s duffle—one of the best Louis Vuitton bags of all time. Valued at approximately $1 million, the bag was first seen gracing the arm of Pharrell Williams—now Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of menswear—at Loewe’s Spring 2024 runway show.
The Millionaire Speedy features an exterior of bright crocodile leather, adorned with Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram, gold hardware, and diamond pendants. The bag is not listed on Louis Vuitton’s website for general purchase, implying it is available only to VIP clients, friends, or those closely associated with Pharrell and the LVMH-owned maison.
Best for: Catapulting to cult-favorite status—with extra speed.
| First released: | 2023 |
| Price: | $1 million |
6. Hermès Chaine d’Ancre Bag – $1.4 million
Designed by Pierre Hardy and released in 2020, the Hermès Chaine d’Ancre Bag is priced at $1.4 million, making it one of the most expensive bags in the world. Contributing to the bucket bag’s exorbitant price tag are its exclusivity and decadent embellishments.
Hermès created only three of these bags, each one featuring intricate anchor-shaped chain links—hence the name “Chaine d’ Ancre” (Anchor Chain in English). Towing the line between bag and jewelry, the miniature accessory is embellished with 1,160 diamonds, scintillating from every angle.
Best for: Anchoring your elite status.
| First released: | 2020 |
| Price: | $1.4 million |
5. Ginza Tanaka Hermès Birkin – $1.9 million
Collaborating with famous Japanese jewelry brand, Ginza Tanaka, Hermès released this masterpiece in 2015, priced at $1.9 million. The bag features an all-platinum body and is gilded with 2,182 diamonds, including a detachable eight-karat, pear-shaped diamond.
The diamond bag strap is also detachable, doubling up as a decadent Ginza Tanaka necklace or bracelet. Epitomizing an old-world glamor and unrestrained decadence, it’s difficult to imagine a more luxurious accessory.
Best for: Embodying the more is more maxim.
| First released: | 2015 |
| Price: | $1.9 million |
4. Hermès Himalaya Kelly – $2 million
Even more exclusive than the Hermès Himalaya Birkin, is the Hermès Himalaya Kelly. As one of the most sought-after handbags in the world, it demands a significantly higher price tag, with the most expensive model—a diamond-encrusted Kelly— selling for $2 million.
The Hermès Himalaya Kelly is handcrafted from Niloticus Crocodile and undergoes a complex dyeing process to achieve its signature gradation. Featuring 18K white gold hardware, the trapezoidal masterpiece is complete with 229 diamonds on the clasp and another 40 on the signature Kelly padlock.
Best for: Moving mountains to obtain.
| First released: | 2014 |
| Price: | $2 million |
3. Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin – $2 million
As the most expensive Birkin ever created, the Sac Bijou Birkin is also the smallest. Designed to be worn as a bracelet, the miniature bag is made from rose gold and set with diamonds—2,712 diamonds to be exact, totalling an astonishing 89 carats in weight.
Released in 2012 as part of the brand’s Haute Bijouterie Collection, the Sac Bijou was designed by Pierre Hardy. Only three of them exist, each priced at $2 million, a value that is expected to increase over time.
Best for: Less is more—only when it comes to size.
| First released: | 2012 |
| Price: | $2 million |
2. Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse – $3.8 million
Setting records and breaking hearts, the Mouawad 1001 Night Diamond Purse was listed as the world’s most expensive bag in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records. And while it may no longer hold the title, the opulent accessory is still one of the most expensive purses, second only to Wingham’s.
Valued at $3.8 million, the heart-shaped purse is handcrafted from 18K gold and is adorned with 4,517 diamonds (total weight of 382 carats), including 105 yellow, 56 pink and thousands of colorless. It was designed by renowned Lebanese jeweler Robert Mouawad and took over 8,000 hours of labor to complete.
Best for: Wearing your diamond-adorned heart on your sleeve.
| First released: | 2010 |
| Price: | $3.8 million |
1. Debbie Wingham’s Upcycled Easter Egg Purse – $6.7 million
Yes, the world’s most expensive bag is made from pre-loved items, but not just any pre-loved items. The Upcycled Easter Egg Purse is made from real Emu egg, adorned with 8,000 diamonds, lined with an Hermès silk scarf and fastened with a $40,000 pair of Cartier earrings.
Designed by celebrity couturier, Debbie Wingham, the egg-shaped bag was created for an anonymous buyer in 2019, who sent in her old designer pieces to be incorporated into the design. It is valued at $6,7 million, making it the most expensive bag in the world.
Best for: Making recycling remarkable.
| First released: | 2019 |
| Price: | $6.7 million |
Summary
Frequently asked questions about the most expensive bags
The most expensive bag ever sold is the Debbie Wingham Upcycled Easter Egg Purse, valued at $6.7 million. Crafted by celebrity couturier, Debbie Wingham, the egg-shaped bag is made from real Emu eggs. Check our list of the most expensive bags of all time for more.
Besides the single bags custom-designed for single clients, the rarest bag released to the public is probably the Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin, although the miniature design is more of a bracelet than a bag. Made from rose gold and encrusted with 2,712 diamonds, only three Sac Bijou Birkins were ever released, each valued at $2 million.
The Hermès Birkin bag, particularly in rare materials like crocodile leather and adorned with precious metals and diamonds, can cost around $100,000. These bags are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and exclusivity. The price varies based on the materials used, size, and rarity.
As of 2023, the price of a Hermès Birkin bag varies significantly, starting from around $9,000 for basic models and can exceed $1 million for rare, exotic, or custom variants. Factors influencing the price include the material (like leather or crocodile skin), size, color, hardware, and limited edition designs. Availability and demand in the resale market can further escalate these prices.