Hong Kong celebrity Kelly Chen is auctioning off her Hermes bag collection
The Hermes bags will be sold as part of an upcoming auction by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, with part of the proceeds going to charity.
Hong Kong actress and singer Kelly Chen with her malachite green Hermes Birkin bag. (Photo: Sotheby's)
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An upcoming auction by Sotheby’s Hong Kong will feature Hermes bags from the personal collection of actress and singer Kelly Chen.
They will be the highlight of Sotheby’s Handbags & Accessories online auction taking place from Sep 23 to Oct 3. Interested bidders can also see the bags up close during a public exhibition running from Sep 28 to Oct 3 at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong, located in luxury retail destination, Landmark Charter.
The curated selection includes timeless classics and rare limited editions. All lots will be accompanied by an exclusive card with a handwritten message and signature from Chen. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund, a non-profit voluntary organisation that aims to improve the welfare and livelihoods of children from low-income backgrounds.
Morgane Halimi, global head of handbags and fashion at Sotheby’s, describes the selection as “a perfect collection that sets an inspiring example for any handbags collector”. “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,” said Halimi.
Chen is a passionate bag collector. Hermes Birkin and Kelly handbags have been staples of her collection for years.
“My love for Hermes 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,” said the singer.
She continued: “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.”
Highlights of the auction include a one-in-the-world customised Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2011, with an estimate of US$25,700 to US$138,300 (S$33,186 to S$107,102). Rockstuds were added to this classic bag to give it a rock-and-roll twist. It features a sought-after combination of black Box leather with palladium hardware.
The bag came about at a time when Chen was "hugely fascinated by the craftsmanship of luxury handbags". "I have always been into rockstud elements when it comes to clothes and accessories,” Chen said of adding her personal touch to the bag.
Another highlight is the Limited Edition Bronze Chevre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware, 2004, with an estimate of US$48,800 to US$128,300, a present Chen gifted herself in 2008 for becoming a wife. “In Chinese, the word ‘bronze’ and ‘union’ is a homonym,” Chen shared. She encountered this bag during her wedding preparations, believing it was a good sign for her marriage.
Also up for bidding is Chen’s legendary White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware, 2009, with an estimate of US$77,000 to US$128,300. Known to be one of the most prestigious models among Hermes handbags, only a handful of Himalayas are known to be created in the Hermes atelier each year due to its time-consuming process, making any Himalaya Birkin a rarity.
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.
Other bags up for auction include a metallic Kelly, a malachite green Birkin, a classic black Birkin and more.
For more information on the auction, click here
