HONG KONG.- Christie’s Hong Kong will hold its inaugural Handbags & Accessories auction on 24 November 2014. Consisting of over 120 lots with a combined estimation of over HK$7 million, headlining the sale is an extremely rare Hermès Matte Graphite Nilo Crocodile Birkin 35. It also boasts a range of highly sought-after Hermès handbags, including Bollide, Constance, Drag, Kelly, Toolbox and more. In addition, a series of signature pieces from luxury brands such as Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Louis Vuitton complete the sale.

HERMÈS CROCODILE BIRKIN
Two important Hermès crocodile Birkin bags will be offered in the auction. A Matte Graphite Nilo Crocodile Birkin 35 is one of the most sought-after bags in the world. Graphite is a shade that is rarely seen with a matte finish or with a gold hardware (estimate: HK$350,000-450,000). Another highlight is a Matte Poussière Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 with palladium hardware (estimate: HK$300,000-400,000). Poussière is an uncommon shade; while Porosus is the finest Crocodile used by Hermès. The dye process for light-coloured skins is complicated and difficult thus very few of them are produced, which makes the bag exceptionally rare.

IMPORTANT VINTAGE FINDS
Moreover, a selection of vintage pieces will be presented, including a Hermès Shiny Bleu Saphir Porosus Crocodile Sellier Kelly 28 with gold hardware (estimate: HK$150,000-200,000). This special Kelly was produced in 1993. Over 20-years-old, the condition of this bag remains immaculate. The bag is done in Porosus Crocodile, the finest skin that Hermès uses. Most importantly for this bag is the colour, Bleu Saphir. This colour was “rested” for nearly 20 years before being re-released. The re-released Bleu Saphir is different from the original, making the original, like this one, very much sought-after.

A Hermès Shiny Vert Jasmine Porosus Crocodile Sellier Bolide 27 made in 1997 (estimate: HK$40,000-60,000) will also make its appearance in the auction. This Mini Bolide is done in Vert Jasmine, an extremely rare shade of green amongst the brand.

VIVID SELECTION
The auction will also feature an array of vividly coloured handbags. Hermès has slowed and nearly stopped the production of Ostrich Birkin in size 35. They are only available in smaller sizes now due to a scarcity of the skin. This Tangerine Ostrich Birkin 35 Bag with palladium hardware (estimate: HK$125,000-200,000) is therefore highly collectible.

Also from Hermès, the Kelly Pochette was introduced in 2006 and designed by renowned fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. This Shiny Geranium Alligator Kelly Pochette example comes with permabrass hardware (estimate: HK$75,000-125,000), adding luxury finish to this bag. For Chanel, Christie's will offer a Matte Pink Crocodile Medium Mademoiselle (estimate: HK$40,000-60,000) with burnished silver hardware. This bag is one of the star pieces created by the brand in 2011.