Behold, The Most Expensive And Lavish Handbags In The World
The Wall Street Journal conducted a study in 2013 and found the average American woman owns eleven purses. Two years later, handbag sales in the U.S. reached $11.5 billion and that trend continues to rise. Women aren't making spontaneous purse purchases, either. The same study found that 40 percent of women ages 18-34 shop for their next purse for around 30 days. The handbags on this list are lavish and over-the-top luxurious. Made with thousands of diamonds and exotic leathers and furs, these are the world's most expensive handbags.
Rose Gold Hermes Kelly ($2 Million)
The Rose Gold Hermes Kelly is a collaboration between designers Pierre Hardy and Hermes Kelly. The bag is solid rose gold with a total of 1,160 diamonds inlaid to the bag. Considering that the handbag is only big enough to fit a cell phone, it can be worn as a bangle or traditionally, although it may look and feel a little awkward.
The rose gold has been molded to look like crocodile leather, and the flap opens which may surprising considering its small size. There were twelve of these bags made in four different styles and took two years to manufacture all of them.
Hermes Birkin Bag By Ginza Tanaka ($1.9 Million)
Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka makes this Hermes Birkin bag. It is composed of 100% platinum with over 2,000 diamonds and one 8-carat pear-shaped diamond on the clasp. Altogether, it costs $1.9 million.
The diamond-covered removable strap, as well as the large diamond, can be removed and worn either as a necklace or a bracelet depending on the user's preference. This way, the bag can either be worn like a purse or used as a clutch depending on the what the occasion calls for.
Gucci Sylvie Medium Crocodile Top Handle Bag ($31,000)
The Sylvie is a top handle bag with crocodile skin with and gold chain and a buckle for the clasp. The crocodile leather has been cleaned and shined to make the red as vibrant as possible, and weather resistant.
The interior has blue and red nylon web lining with interior pockets for particular items. The product is made in Italy, has a removable strap, and is very apparently made by Gucci even from a distance. For just $31,000 you can own this Gucci handbag and tell people that you harvested the crocodile leather yourself.
Hermes White Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin ($379,000)
This exclusive white Himalaya Birkin is handmade from Niloticus crocodile with more than 240 diamonds and 18-carat-gold hardware. Although this handbag is exclusive, it is not unattainable.
Many celebrities are known to have bags in this style, such as Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian who have been spotted clutching the Himilayan. It's expensive because it is made from albino crocodiles, which are hard to come by and making a bag from their skin is even more difficult. Also, the diamonds and gold make it valuable as well.
Louis Vuitton "Urban Satchel Bag" ($150,000)
Photo Credits: Richest Lifestyle
Yes, this is a functioning handbag, and yes, it's $150,000. The Louis Vuitton Urban Stachel is a conglomeration of everything that you may encounter walking down a city street. From empty cigarette packs to crushed water bottles, this bag has it.
Luckily, if you have trash, you can tape it to the bag, and nobody will know the difference. Although it is not part of a particular line and was made mostly as a joke, the bag is still priced at $150,000 just because it's from Louis Vuitton and who doesn't want to be the owner of this special edition trash can?
Caroline Crocodile Bag By Marc Jacobs ($38,000)
One of designer Marc Jacobs' most expensive bags is the Carolyn Crocodile Bag. Although for $38,000 you may think it would have diamonds, what makes it so valuable is its very rare leather. This crocodile leather is dyed into a purple color which makes the bag pop without covering up the crocodile skin texture.
This was one of the handbags that helped launch his career as a respected and world-renowned designer and brand. Not everyone is brave enough to release a $38,0000 bag, but he did, and it showed his ambition. Oh, and the people loved it.
Chanel Diamond Forever Classic Bag ($261,000)
With only 13 available worldwide, the Chanel Diamond Forever bag is a highly desired bag among collectors and enthusiasts. It is a classic yet extremely extravagant design that is perfect for any handbag connoisseur.
For $261,000, it is made up of 334 diamonds weighing 3.56 carats, 18-carat white gold hardware, and white alligator skin. With only 13 in the world, only five of them went on sale in the United States making the bag all that more prestigious and sought after.
Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch ($250,000)
The Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch is inspired by Elizabeth Taylor' role in the 1963 film Cleopatra. Designer Lana Marks wanted it to promote female empowerment and beauty. She produces only one of these clutches per year with each one estimated to cost around $250,000.
Each bag includes 1,500 diamonds and varies in style. They're usually made from luxurious and exotic skins. Today, the Cleopatra is a staple of the Oscars with only one woman allowed to carry it each year. The bag pictured above was held by Kate Winslet, with other actresses such as Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Garner having carried their own at one time.
The Mouawad 1001 Nights ($3.8 million)
The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is a heart-shaped handbag with a total of 4,517 diamonds encrusted on its exterior. It has a total weight of 381.92 carats and holds the record for the most expensive handbag ever produced. Designed by master jeweler Robert Mouawad all of the labor involved took more than 8,800 hours to complete.
Although most of the diamonds are clear, there are also 105 yellow and 56 pink diamonds incorporated into the design. This is not the first world record that Mouawad has held. He also holds the record for the most expensive bra worth $15 million. Deemed The Red Hot Fantasy Bra, it was modeled by Gisele Bundchen at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2000.
Fuschia Hermes Birkin ($222,000)
The Fuschia Hermes Birkin is no ordinary handbag. Although many of the Hermes Birkin bags are known for the hundreds of diamonds and rare crocodile skin, this handbag is a bright fuschia that will not go unnoticed. Like the other Birkins, it has diamond-studded embellishments as well as 18-carat gold hardware.
This particular Birkin bag is the most expensive handbag ever sold at an auction. While other bags priced this high tend to have more diamonds, it's the rarity and flare that makes this bag so expensive.
Luis Vuitton Kasuma Pumpkin Minaudiere Bag ($133,430)
Japanese designer Yayoi Kasuma teamed up with Luis Vuitton to create a collection of handbags, and the Pumpkin Munaudiere is one of the outcomes of the partnership.
The Pumpkin Munaudiere is also known as the "jewel bag" and has a verticle polka dot pattern along with a gold chain to complete its iconic look. The black interior also contrasts nicely with the gold exterior and black dots. This product was up for sale by Selfridges London and was sold for $133,430.
Leiber Precious Rose ($92,000)
The Leiber Precious Rose accessory handbag sold for $92,000 to a fortunate buyer. On its exterior, it has 1,016 sparkling diamonds that give it its rose-like color and vibrant look. Altogether, the diamonds total an impressive 42.54 carats.
Along with the diamonds, it also has 1,169 pink sapphires and 800 tourmalines which are all set in white gold. Besides all of the jewels and diamonds, it is also expensive because there is only one in the entire world which makes it extra-precious. If you need a new backpack, Luis Vuitton has you covered.
The Luis Vuitton New Age Traveller Backpack ($54,000)
If you want a backpack that stands out, then the Luis Vuitton New Age Traveller is for you. Moderately priced at $54,000, it comes with special tassels, with lurex jacquard woven into the fabric.
Moreover, it has exotic crocodile and snakeskin embroidered throughout to give the bag a rustic look. Also, there are suede tassels and headphone cables for the people that are on the move. If there wasn't enough animal built into this backpack already, it also has two foxtail charms.
Hermes Chaine’d Ancre Bag ($1.4 million)
The Hermes Chaine’d Ancre bag is different when it comes to the world of luxury handbags. Designed by Pierre Hardy, it is an intricate yet rustic design that took years to create and complete. White gold studs can be seen featured all around the bag with of 1,160 diamonds.
Together, the diamonds have a combined weight of over 33.94 carats. The bag is a part of the Hermes Haute Bijouterie Collection and is considered to be a collector's item since only three of them have ever been made.
Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag ($42,000)
The Luis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag is the best of every world. The bag is made up of 15 different Luis Vuitton patterns that have then been cut-up and reattached all over the bag. Although it might be a little rough on the eyes, that doesn't stop it from having a price tag of $42,000.
While you may also be wondering who would buy such a bag, Beyonce and Rhianna have both been seen sporting this particular bag out on the town. The 24 that were made sold out almost immediately which shows that people want this bag more than you may think.
Gadino Bag By Hilde Palladino ($38,470)
Designed by Norwegian designer Hilde Palladino, the Gadino bag may appear to be somewhat ordinary, but it's quite the opposite. It is made from crocodile leather and has 39 white diamonds embedded into the clasps, molded from white gold themselves.
This bag has limited availability and is found in stores such as Harvey Nichols, Goodman, and Bergdorf. So if you see somebody walking down the street with this purse, know that it's worth $38,000 and isn't just some ordinary white handbag.
Hermes Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile ($203,150)
This bag is yet another unique Birkin that is called the "Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30 cm Birkin Bag." Mainly, it's similar to the other crocodile skinned bag, except that it's in deep red, which makes the wearer look particularly ferocious.
The 18-carat gold clasps are covered in diamonds. The bag sold for more than anticipated in Dallas in 2017. Although it was priced high to begin with, it finally sold for $203,150.
Blue Crocodile Hermes Birkin Handbag ($150,000)
The Blue Crocodile Hermes Birkin Bag is made from porous crocodile skin, in Bleu Electrique color. The brilliant blue color makes the bag stand out from the rest, giving it an exotic feel.
It is also different because it has palladium hardware although it comes with most of the other accessories expected of a Hermes Birkin. This handbag is priced at $150,000.
Fendi Selleria ($38,000)
What makes this Fendi Selleria bag so expensive and eye-catching is its rather unusual material. You can have this bag made to order from sable and Chinchilla, two of the most luxurious and rare animal skins.
The rarity of the skins alone makes this bag so revered as well as its design and ability to hold a lot of items and not lose comfort or mobility. It's a rare purse that not many get to call theirs. of course, you may not want to ever look at pictures of a chinchilla if you decide to buy this bag.
Sac De Jour Alligator Leather ($36,600)
The Sac De Jour Alligator Leather Bag by YSL takes exotic to the next level. While from a distance it may look like another generic designer bag, if you look closely, you'll be able to notice the alligator skin exterior. This material is even more uncommon than crocodile leather.
If the rarity of the leather doesn't do it for you, the shape and size of the bag make it perfect for any occasion, as long as you have $36,600 to pay for it. Although it doesn't have any jewels, it doesn't need them because the leather says it all.