When evaluating the luxury vintage handbags that will go on auction on November 30 for sky-high prices, Christie’s adopts a critical eye.
“One of my very important jobs is to [determine] whether this is a real bag or whether it’s really from the brand,” says Winsy Tsang, Christie’s head of sale for handbags and accessories in Asia.
Christie’s uses a six-step grading system to evaluate all of its handbags, with a “Grade 1” being most valuable. A Grade 1 handbag, says Tsang, “appears as new, or never used”.
One of Hermès’ matte white Himalayan Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Diamond Birkin is on auction this month, upping anticipation for the event.
Last year, a Hermès Niloticus bag made “fashion history” when it sold for a record HK$2.33 million.
Also up for bidding are a set of Hermès mini bags, featuring a Birkin, Bolide, Constance, Faco, Farming, Kelly, Roulis and Toolbox – all in either lizard or alligator.
“These exceptionally rare and unique pieces are being offered for the first time at auction,” says Matthew Rubinger, Christie’s senior vice-president and international director, handbags and accessories, for Asia and EMERI.
Video by Deva Lee
