est. 1837, Paris
Hermès
Founded as a harness workshop for European nobility, Hermès elevated equestrian leatherwork into the apex of luxury. Each bag is saddle-stitched by a single artisan over 18–48 hours, and its opaque allocation makes these the most financially appreciating objects in fashion.
Birkin
1984
The investible grail
£18,000–£60,000+
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Provenance
Born from a 1981 Air France encounter between Jane Birkin and CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, sketched on an air-sickness bag. It now outperforms gold as an asset class over 35 years.
Retail evolution
1984£1,500
1995£3,200
2005£5,500
2015£8,400
2020£12,000
2024£18,000+
Secondary market
Low £18,000High £120,000+Niloticus crocodile and Himalayan colourways command £70k–£120k+.
Buy second-hand
Configurations
30cm35cmTogoClemenceEpsomExoticKelly
1935 / renamed 1956
Royal seal of approval
£15,500–£50,000+
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Constance
1959
The H-clasp classic
£8,500–£28,000+
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