The Hermès Himalaya deconstructed

The ravishing Hermès Himalaya Birkin is considered the Holy Grail in a handbag collection, while the Himalaya Kelly bag is fabled as ‘The Rarest Handbag in the World’. How did this handbag achieve such cachet? The answer lies in the construction of this wearable work of art, a striking blend of superlative design with fabulous materials.

The Himalaya is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The designation ‘Himalaya’ does not apply to the origin of the bag, but rather to the delicate gradation of the colour. The smoky grey fades into a pearly white, resembling the majestic, snow-capped Himalayas. The dyeing process is time-consuming and exponentially more difficult as the shades lighten — to create the immaculate white of the snow and the gradation to rocky grey requires great skill and a fine eye.

Bringing together precious materials and craftsmanship with the Hermès equestrian heritage, the Himalaya is the ultimate expression of the artistry and tradition of the storied maison.

The introduction of the original series of Himalaya Birkins spawned a collecting phenomenon. Handbag collectors around the world recognised the rarity and exquisite craftsmanship behind the Himalaya. Consequently, in a response to the appetite of collectors, Hermès began to craft a limited number Himalaya Kelly bags for top clients.

Produced in the most limited of numbers, the Himalaya Kelly is a perfect marriage of the subtle gradation of the Himalaya and the elegance of the Kelly. The Himalaya Kelly is both an heirloom and a work of art.

In 2016, Christie’s 30th Anniversary Hong Kong auction sold a Himalaya Birkin 30 with white gold and diamond hardware for a world record price of HK$2,320,000. A year later, Christie’s in Hong Kong broke the world record again for a Himalaya Birkin 30 encrusted with 10.23 carats of diamonds, which sold for HK$2,940,000.

In 2018, a Himalaya Birkin 30 with an 18k white gold, diamond-encrusted lock sold for £162,500 at Christie’s in London, becoming the most expensive handbag ever in a European auction. Before the end of the year the record was broken again by a Himalaya Birkin 35 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware, which realised £236,750.

In 2020, a Himalaya Retourné Kelly 25 sold for HK$3,375,000, a record price for a Hermès Kelly, before the record was eclipsed once more by a Himalaya Kelly 28 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware for HK$4,000,000 at Christie’s in Hong Kong.

These incredible results solidify what handbag collectors worldwide already know — the diamond Himalaya is the most desirable handbag in existence.

Exceptional Handbags & Accessories is on view until 6 November 2025 at Christie’s in Paris. Handbags: The Paris Edit is live for browsing until 13 November.

Related makers: Hermès