HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s announced today that Kelly Chen, a celebrated icon in music, film, and fashion across Asia, will showcase her 10 favourite Hermès handbags as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week in Hong Kong. Handbags & Accessories – including the Personal Collection of Kelly Chen features a curated selection of timeless classics and rare limited editions, including the Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35—a bespoke masterpiece known globally as the unique one of its kind—and the highly coveted White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30. All lots will be accompanied by an exclusive card with handwritten message and signature from Kelly Chen.

Described as “a perfect collection that sets an inspiring example for any handbags collector” by Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby’s, this unmissable selection from Kelly Chen will be the highlight of the Handbags & Accessories online auction from 23 September to 3 October, with a public exhibition running from 28 September to 3 October at Sotheby’s Maison. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Kelly Chen Children Education Fund.

Hermès handbags, renowned for their scarcity, cultural heritage, and exquisite craftsmanship, represent the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in fashion. Among luxury collectibles, handbags have become increasingly popular among collectors worldwide. In the first half of 2024, Sotheby’s Asia saw nearly 30% of new bidders and 40% of bidders under 40 participating in its handbag auctions.

“We are thrilled to present this exceptional collection to the public in Hong Kong and collectors around the world in celebration of the opening of Maison. Kelly Chen's assortment of handbags is a reflection of her unique style and personal journey, illuminating the collecting path of a true style icon. Her influential role in music and film mirrors the classic, stylish, and adventurous spirit of her collection. We eagerly anticipate sharing her visionary approach with handbag enthusiasts, hoping to inspire and captivate their imaginations.” -- Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, Sotheby’s

A Life of Collecting

Hong Kong-born actress and singer who has clocked over 20 million album sales, Kelly’s name is often associated with Asia’s most representative pop music and cinema works. Extending beyond screen and record is Kelly’s impeccable senses in fashion and her influence in the community that has become part of her identity as a life-long handbags enthusiast.

"My love for Hermès bags began more than two decades ago. I still vividly recall purchasing a Graphite Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30, which quickly became my wardrobe staple. The early years of my collecting journey began with the unmissable classics of black, grey and tan before I ventured into the more daring palettes such as the Metallic Kellys. I am always fascinated by how handbags encapsulate the spirit of an era, pioneering a fashion trend or even a lifestyle that still stays with us till this day.

For me, what makes a collection special is the memories behind each piece, and it is truly rewarding to see that collection mature and evolve throughout the years as I grow. Every song and role I created in my career contributes to who I am now, and that to me is the same for handbags. I see deep connections between my choices in handbags and the stages in life that I was going through, which ultimately granted me new perspectives that I wish to share with the public.” -- Kelly Chen

The sale comprises classic Hermès Birkin and Kelly handbags, both of which have been staples of Kelly Chen’s collection for years. Arguably the most celebrated handbag in the past century, the Birkin bag story began in 1984 when actress and singer Jane Birkin met Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. During their conversation, Birkin expressed her need for a functional yet stylish bag, which led to the creation of the now-famous Birkin bag. The Birkin bag's innovative design at the time features two rolled handles, a flap top, clou “feet”, and a lock closure.

This practical and elegant design has continued to capture the hearts of Hermès collectors, including Kelly, who was often photographed with her Birkin bags at work or during trips. A single artisan creates and assembles the entire bag versus more modern assembly line manufacturing.

Among Kelly bags, the Metallic Kelly is extremely rare and was first in production in 2004 and 2005 in limited quantities. Today, two decades later, a fine example of this series of vintage treasure, a Limited Edition Gold Chèvre Metallic Kelly 25 Sellier Gold Hardware, 2005 (Est: HK$380k - 1m/ US$48.8k – 128.3k), will be offered in the sale.

A Glimpse of the Collection

Standing out among this exciting collection is a customised Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2011 (Est: HK$200k - 1m / US$25.7k - 128.3k), the unique one in the world which features rockstuds, adding a rock-and-roll element to the classic bag. The most representative heritage leather in the Hermès canon, Box leather is the oldest leather Hermès uses to construct the brand’s signature bags. The combination of black Box leather and palladium is stylish and most sought-after. Kelly Chen added: “This came about a time when I was hugely fascinated by the craftsmanship of luxury handbags and it was truly amazing to have a personal touch added to this already piece of fashion item. I have always been into rockstud elements when it comes to clothes and accessories.”

A notable gem in the collection is the Limited Edition Bronze Chèvre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware, 2004 (Est: HK$380k - 1m / US$48.8k - 128.3k), a present Kelly gifted herself for becoming a wife as she entered the new chapter of her life in 2008. “In Chinese, the word ‘bronze’ and ‘union’ is a homonym,” reminiscing on how she encountered this bag during her wedding preparation, Kelly shared, “this symbolises good sign for my marriage and I bought it on the spot, imagining how I would carry it in my honeymoon.” The Limited Edition Metallic Hermès bags were inspired by the displays designed by Leila Menchari Hermès flagship store at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorè. In order to produce the metallic pigmentation, Hermès artisans must add so much dye to the leather that the leather’s texture changes. This Metallic Birkin was shown in exhibition Bags: Inside Out in Hong Kong staged by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 2023, among Kelly’s other handbags.

Another crown jewel of this personal collection is the legendary White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware, 2009 (Est: HK$60k - 1m / US$77k - 128.3k). Known to be one of the most prestigious models among Hermès handbags, only a handful of Himalayas are known to be created in the Hermès atelier each year due to its time-consuming process, making any Himalaya Birkin a rarity for the Hermès lover. Himalaya Birkins generally sell at higher prices in the secondary market than other crocodile Birkin bags depending on the condition and age of the bag.