Hermès has remained the quintessence of luxury throughout its 183-year history, evolving from an award-winning saddlery retailer to a billion-dollar brand. It comes as no surprise, then, that an Hermès piece is a safer investment than art, gold, diamonds, and the stock market. Hermès bags are crafted with painstaking detail. Each takes 18 to 25 hours to complete and is hand-stitched by skilled artisans with years of training under their belts. The process is so meticulous, in fact, that any handbags deemed imperfect are burned.
It is Hermès’ exclusivity that not only drives the cost up but its investment value too. And the price only becomes more extraordinary when exotic materials come into play. Case in point: A crocodile-skin Himalayan Birkin with white gold and diamond detailing sold at Christie’s in Hong Kong for approximately $381 million in 2017. It is near impossible for mere mortals to nab an Hermès bag as they are reserved for brand loyalists and friends of the Maison, therefore the booming resale market is a go-to for fashionistas in the know.
Of course, one of the most sought-after styles is the Birkin, which has achieved heirloom status. It is repairable for life and has seen a 5% price increase year-on-year; 7% for its equally elegant sister the Kelly. No matter the bag, whether it be the Birkin, Kelly or Constance, purchasing an Hermès piece is a worthy long-term investment that will reward you in spades.
