5 must-have mini bags for 2017
Small is most definitely beautiful, as these five superb and highly sought-after mini bags demonstrate — all offered in our Spring 2017 Hong Kong sales
The Constance, Hermès
A limited-edition shiny Cassis, Bleu Tempête & Bleu Izmir Niloticus Crocodile Constance 18 with palladium hardware. Hermès 2014. Estimate: HK$240,000-300,000 / $32,000-39,000. This lot is offered in Handbags & Accessories on 31 May 2017 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
The Constance — originally designed in the 1950s and named for the designer's daughter — has always been a classic, but it has only reached top-collector level in the past few seasons. This limited-edition, tri-colour version is very difficult to find, especially in this small size. Classic, distinctive and rare, this is a very special item.
The Ombré Lizard Collection, Hermès
A rare, shiny Ombré Salvator Lizard Sellier Kelly 25 with palladium hardware, Hermès 2011. Estimate: HK$150,000-200,000 / $20,000-26,000. This lot is offered in Handbags & Accessories on 31 May 2017 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
Pieces from the Ombré Lizard collection are highly sought-after and, as Lizard pieces become less common and more desirable, the Ombré pieces continue to gain value. Nearly every season a Birkin 25 is available, but it is extremely difficult to find the Kelly — it has been five years since one has come to auction at Christie’s. In this condition, this bag is a top-level collector piece.
A movie camera bag, Chanel
A rare, black Paris-Rome movie camera evening bag with crystals, Chanel 2016. Estimate: $100,000-150,000 / $13,000-19,000. This lot is offered in Handbags & Accessories on 31 May 2017 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
For the Metiers d'Art Paris-Rome collection, aptly held at Cinecittà film studios in Rome, Chanel created this imaginative movie camera evening bag for the runway. The ingenious creation — inspired by Italy’s long cinematic history — immediately became the star of the collection, and its extremely limited production meant that it sold out immediately.
A shiny pink 5P Salvator Lizard Constance Èlan, Hermès
A shiny pink 5P Salvator Lizard Constance Èlan with gold hardware. Hermès 2010. Estimate: HK$80,000-100,000 / $11,000-13,000. This lot is offered in Handbags & Accessories on 31 May 2017 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
The Constance continues to be one of the most collectible Hermès models. This newer version in the Èlan size — a long, rectangular version of the classic design — is done in lizard, which is extremely difficult to find. Pink 5P is arguably the most sought-after colour and is very rare in lizard. The bag is paired with gold hardware, and likely to be very popular at auction.
A Bleu Marine ribbed satin Mini Sellier Kelly 20, Hermès
A Bleu Marine ribbed satin Mini Sellier Kelly 20 with gold hardware, Hermès 1991. Estimate: HK$80,000-100,000 / $11,000-13,000. This lot is offered in Handbags & Accessories on 31 May 2017 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
The original Kelly 20, discontinued in the early 1990s, is always exciting to find at auction. We look for rare versions in top condition, of which this one in satin and suede is a perfect example. In a beautiful shade of dark blue/green, this is one of the rarest pieces to come to auction. In addition, after this year’s re-release of the new Kelly 20, the original version has become even more desirable and valuable.