Hermès creates four exceptional handbags for Christie’s online auction
Bag lovers now have a new reason to cheer. In what can be described as a magical collaboration, Hermes, the French fashion house, known for its high-end luxury lifestyle products, has shown once again that its the best when it comes to one-of-a-kind leather handbags. Recently, Hermes has unveiled one-of-a-kind Birkin handbags crafted from gold and diamonds, in four version, each selling for $1.9 million. And, now, the French luxury brand has teamed up with Christie’s, to auction four one-of-a-kind versions of its Passe-Guide handbags in celebration of its “Leather Forever” exhibition which is slated to open in London on 8thMay 2012.
First created in the 1970s by Henri d’Origny, the designs were then re-created years later by Couli Hermes. The most interesting part is all four of these leather beauties were handmade in Hermes workshops. Each craftsman had one bag assigned to him- pieces for which he was responsible, right from the start to finish. The exhibition, where the bags are to be put up on display, actually celebrates these techniques.
The four handbags have been designed by the French fashion giant to pay a tribute to the United Kingdom and Ireland representing four nations viz. Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
Passe-Guide England has been crafted from box calfskin leather rborn in England in the 19thcentury. The English bag come with silver fittings and flaunt black fur charm as a tribute to the bearskin hats of the Queen’s Guards. The Rouge Hermes hue which can be seen on the handbag is so named because Hermes was reportedly the first one to request a more vividly colored calfskin way back in 1934.
Passe-Guide Wales is crafted from green box calfskin, the Welsh beauty is an absolute show stealer. The dragon charm is embossed in gold. The A second Welsh Dragon with lambskin linings and gold fitting finishing adorns the front.
Passe-Guide Scotland is created by famed Scottish weaver, Johnstons of Elgin from Barenia calfskin, known as the best of Hermes leather. The bag embodies every bit of the energy and passion Scotland is famous for. The kilt pin charm swinging to the sides takes the bag’s appeal to another level altogether.
Passe-Guide Ireland is crafted from vivid green crocodile skin. A deep-shade was specially developed by Hermes for this Irish bag. The Irish green handbag adorns a four-leaf clover charm adding the final icing on the cake. The crocodile skin, in fact, rightly captures the mystery and romanticism so synonymic to the name “Ireland”. The interiors have been done in butter soft lambskin.
Hermès connoisseurs from around the world will have a chance to view and to bid on the four one-of-a-kind lots from the comfort of their homes. And just in case you would like to have a better look at each of the bags described above, and are based in London, then don’t miss the opportunity to see them up close and personal at the “Leather Forever” exhibition which marks the 175th anniversary of iconic Hermes handbags from the 19th century till date. The exhibition begins at 6 Burlington Gardens, London, W1 from May 8 till 27thMay 2012. And, the sale proceeds will be given to the London Royal Academy of Arts.
Well, all we can now say is, “bag” the deal before time runs out! Handbag collectors should also check-out the most expensive handbags in the world, which also includes Hermes birkin handbag with diamond and gold hardware.
Via: Chrisitie’s
