Exceptional Chanel ‘Diamond Forever’ Flap Bag sparkles in New York Luxury auction – Alain.R.Truong

Lot 58207. Chanel Limited Edition Matte White Alligator Diamond Forever Flap Bag with 18K White Gold Hardware. Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

NEW YORK, NY.- One of just 13 Chanel Limited Edition Matte White Alligator Diamond Forever Flap Bag with 18K White Gold Hardware, one of the most exclusive and expensive handbags in existence, is expected to bring $80,000+ as the lead lot inHeritage’s April 18-19, 2016 Spring Luxury Accessories Signature® Auction, taking place at The Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion (2 East 79th Street, at 5th Ave). 

“This is the bag that shook the luxury world in 2008 when it was announced that Chanel would release a limited edition series of classic flap bags,” said Diane D’Amato, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage Auctions. “These bags were dubbed the ‘Diamond Forever’ bags and this auction gives collectors an eminently rare opportunity.” 

Lot 58207. Chanel Limited Edition Matte White Alligator Diamond Forever Flap Bag with 18K White Gold Hardware. Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

10″ Width x 6″ Height x 2.5″ Depth
This Chanel bag shook the luxury world in 2008, when it was announced that the astute fashion house would be releasing a limited edition series of classic flap bags, dubbed the Diamond Forever bags. A tour de force of fashion, and only thirteen currently in existence, this bag is certainly for the most elite of clientele and collectors. With a staggering retail price of $261,000, and a matte black alligator version recently auctioned with amfAR Cinema Against AIDS event for an impressive $675,000, this Diamond Forever Flap bag is the current record holder for the most expensive handbag in the world. This is not simply due to charity, however, given this bag is done in milky matte white alligator, featuring a CC turnlock closure replete with a dazzling 334 diamonds mounted in 18K White Gold hardware totaling in weight at an astonishing 3.56 carats. This bag is an incredible opportunity to own one of luxury’s most exclusive and highly prized handbags. This bag features one 18K white gold and stationary matte white alligator Reissue shoulder chain, one slip pocket on the reverse exterior, and a flap top with this stunning CC turnlock closure. The interior is done in white lambskin leather, featuring two adjacent slip pockets, and one slip pocket in front of the main interior compartment.

Collectors will also thrill to the appearance of a Hermès Limited Edition 25cm Matte So Black Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with PVD Hardware, an incredibly rare auction presence of this much sought-after handbag in crocodile. This auction marks the first time that Heritage will have offered this luxury rarity. It carries a pre-auction estimate of $80,000+

Lot 58201. Hermès 25cm Matte White Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. R Square, 2014. Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

9.5″ Width x 8″ Height x 5″ Depth
The Himalayan Birkin, the capstone piece for any serious collector, is the rarest of all Hermes handbags. This truly stunning piece carries the viewer on a exhilarating journey through its namesake mountain range. From frosty gray to stark white, the Himalayan ombre pattern is easily the most sought after look of any handbag, exuding the utmost luxury. With the rising tide of 25cm size popularity, this exquisite combination and design will make even the most jaded of Hermes frequenteurs gasp. This bag is done in a gorgeous array of Matte Niloticus Crocodile, featuring two handles, icy Palladium Hardware, and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in expertly paired Gris Cendre Chevre Leather, featuring one slip pocket and one zip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette.

A pristine Hermès 35cm Matte White Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware, the paramount handbag for the most advanced collectors and style mavens, is expected to bring $100,000+ 

Lot 58204. Hermès 35cm Matte White Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. T, 2015. Estimate: $100,000 – $140,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

14″ Width x 10″ Height x 7″ Depth
The paramount handbag, the Himalayan Birkin is the key piece to complete any collection. With a beautiful ombre from gray to white, the Himalayan coloration has become the holy grail of Hermes accessories. Named for the eponymous mountain range, this incredible bag is nothing short of breathtaking. Constructed in the 35cm size, this bag is a rare opportunity that only comes once so often. This bag is done in extraordinary Matte White Himalayan Niloticus Crocodile, featuring two rolled handles, Palladium Hardware, and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in Gris Cendre Chevre Leather, featuring one slip pocket and one zip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette.

“The Himalayan Birkin is the key piece to complete any collection,” said D’Amato. “The Himalayan coloration has become the holy grail of Hermès accessories. This incredible bag is nothing short of breathtaking.” 

A Hermès Extraordinary Collection 25cm Diamond, Shiny Vert Emerald Sellier Kelly Bag with 18K White Gold Hardware give Hermès aficionados not in the market for a Himalayan the change to acquire an almost equally arresting handbag. It comes with a pre-auction estimate of $80,000+.  

Lot 58224. Hermès Extraordinary Collection 25cm Diamond, Shiny Vert Emerald Sellier Kelly Bag with 18K White Gold Hardware. I Square, 2005. Estimate: $80,000 – $120,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

10″ Width x 7″ Height x 3.5″ Depth
Discerning collectors, this is an immensely unique opportunity to own an incredible work of spectacular craft. Meant for the top tier of Hermes clientele, diamond encrusted handbags are a tour de force of accessories, particularly when done by this unsurpassable house. The ultimate luxury, this particular Kelly bag creates an allure fit for a fashion deity. This bag is done in Shiny Vert Emerald Porosus Crocodile, with fine scales that perfect this exotic look, and Hermes’s highest prized skin. The deep, rich green is beautifully complimented by 18K White Gold Hardware, which is replete with shimmering White Diamonds. The cadena lock is enshrined in 54.4 grams of 18K White Gold and encrusted with 40 VVS F White Round Brilliant Diamonds, totaling 4 Carats. On the bag itself, the touret and plaquees feature 40.3 grams of 18K White Gold and a total Diamond weight of 1.36 Carats. The interior is done in Vert Emerald Chevre Leather, featuring one zip pocket and one slip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette. 

Further highlights include, but are not limited to: 

Lot 58120. Hermès 30cm Shiny Geranium Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Gold Hardware. R Square, 2014. Estimate: $40,000 – $50,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

12″ Width x 8″ Height x 6″ Depth
The Birkin bag has become the most sought after bag in history due to its functionality, lasting value, and practicality. This particular Birkin is extremely luxurious and valuable. Its shiny finish makes the bag glisten, and its bright and rich color, Geranium, is jaw-dropping. The exterior is done in Niloticus Crocodile, and it features two rolled handles, and beautifully paired Gold Hardware. The interior of this bag is done in matching Geranium Chevre Leather and includes one slip pocket and one zip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette.

Lot 58171. Hermès 25cm Shiny Blue Brighton Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. N Square, 2010. Estimate: $40,000 – $50,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

9.5″ Width x 8″ Height x 5″ Depth
One of Hermes’s most sought after colors, Blue Brighton is inspired by the beautiful waters of Brighton, United Kingdom. Inspired by this resort town, known for its exquisite blue waters and luxurious atmosphere, Blue Brighton is an exquisite coloration that is meant for the most astute of collectors. This bag is done in Shiny Blue Brighton Niloticus Crocodile, featuring two rolled handles, Palladium Hardware, and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in Blue Brighton Chevre Leather, featuring one zip pocket and one slip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette. 

Lot 58227. Hermès 25cm Shiny Vert Fonce Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. N Square, 2010. Estimate: $35,000 – $45,000. 

Photo 

Heritage Auctions.

9.5″ Width x 8″ Height x 5″ Depth
This Birkin bag is nothing short of stunning. With a rarity that we have come to expect from Hermes, it is truly a unique opportunity to bring a Birkin bag of this caliber to the luxury market. This bag is done in remarkable Shiny Vert Fonce Niloticus Crocodile, and when constructed in the highly prized 25cm size, this bag makes the perfect addition to a collection of elite rank. This bag features two rolled handles, tasteful Palladium Hardware, and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in Vert Fonce Chevre Leather, featuring one zip pocket and one slip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette.

Lot 58138. Hermès Special Order Horseshoe 35cm 5P Bubblegum Pink, Tosca& Crocus Epsom Leather Birkin Bag with Gold Hardware. Q Square, 2013. Estimate: $19,000 – $23,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

14″ Width x 10″ Height x 7″ Depth
Incredibly collectible, Special Order Birkin bags are the epitome of luxury. Created by special request to match the taste of elite clientele, it is rare to gain access to such a unique opportunity. This particular Birkin bag is spectacular, done in extremely rare 5P Bubblegum Pink, Tosca and Crocus Epsom Leather, featuring two rolled handles, tastefully paired Gold Hardware, and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in Crocus Chevre Leather, featuring one zip pocket, one slip pocket, and a crowning feature, one mobile device slip pocket. This bag includes two keys, a lock, and a clochette.

Lot 58140.Hermès Rose Tea & Rouge H Clemence Leather Double Sens GM Reversible Tote Bag. Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000. Photo Heritage Auctions.

3.5″ Width x 17.5″ Height x 5″ Depth
The Double Sens is Hermes’s answer to the basic tote bag, with a luxurious quality feel that cannot be beat. This bag is done in Rose Tea Clemence Leather, and is so designed to be able to reverse, with a Rouge H Clemence Leather interior. This bag features two leather handles.