More than a house: The price of the most expensive celebrity handbags
There's no questions that handbags have evolved into status symbols. With sky-high prices, some are exclusively accessible to celebrities and billionaires, often serving as the pivotal accessory that completes their look. So let's take a moment and delve into a few of these bags, from the ultra-modern to the timeless and iconic.
The sensational Dua Lipa is a big fan of Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson, particularly smitten by the edgy 'Bumper Baguette' from his label, JW Anderson, established in 2008. This bag, dubbed by Vogue as the "cheekiest bag of the season" rings up at around $630, cheap compared to what's coming next.
The Hermès Birkin is, hands down, the most coveted celebrity arm candy. Its demand is so high that there are waiting lists and investing in one could arguably be more profitable than investing in the stock market or dealing in gold. Here we see Kyle Richards (Paris and Nicky Hilton's auntie) flaunting one.
No celebrity worth their salt could resist having one (or many) in their wardrobe. But what kind of price tag could these bags possibly command?
Their prices can easily soar into six figures. The Bikin bag dates back to 1984 and some vintage models are worth more than brand-new ones. Kim Kardashian, for instance, is an absolute fanatic.
The bag we see here belongs to the reality TV queen herself. It's the Diamond Himalaya Birkin, crafted from crocodile skin and decorated with gold and diamonds. It was auctioned at Christie's in 2017 for $380,000, making it one of the most expensive bags on the market.
Kaia Gerber's favourite is the 'Ava' model, a minimalistic masterpiece designed by Hedi Slimane for Celine. The price tag? Around $1,280.
The Chain Pouch with gold link chain from Bottega Veneta is one of top model Rosie Huntington Whiteley's favorites. A highly versatile model that adapts to various looks and styles, it can be yours for about $3,300.
The eldest daughter of Caroline of Monaco, a face of Chanel, was spotted with this exclusive quilted vanity case-style bag showcasing the French house's logo and matching with what just might be the most chic Canadian tuxedo of all time.
Chanel ambassador Penelope Cruz was also seen with this vanity case-style bag, albeit in pink. The price for 2023 vanity cases starts ata around $4,200.
Chiara Ferragni poses with this micro Saddle bag from Dior, which has caused quite a stir among celebrities in recent years. This miniscule bag is the brainchild of Maria Grazia Chiuri and is available for around $2,250.
Chanel's 2.55, without a doubt, is the most iconic bag from the French fashion house. Continually reinvented since its creation by Coco Chanel herself in 1955, it was a sensation at the time, freeing women's hands from short-handle bags. As for its price, it can vary depending on the model, often reaching considerable heights (a.k.a above $10,000).
With its characteristic stamped monogram, this is the perfect shopper-style bag...Just ask Angelina Jolie. A real version of this bag can be bought for around $1,285 (though the ubiquitous knock-offs cost a lot less).
With its curved half-moon silhouette, this iconic model from Gucci was a favorite of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and was even renamed in her honor. It's a classic loved by everyone from Cate Blanchett to Harry Styles and has been redesigned by Alessandro Michele as a unisex bag. You'll need to save more than $3,200 to get your own.
With its distinctive rounded handle, the Lady Dior or Lady Diana (named in honor of Lady Di, who brought this model to fame by frequently wearing it) is the most iconic bag from the House of Dior. It depends on the size and finishes, but this bag will usually cost between $4,000 and $5,350.
One of the most replicated bags is Gucci's Marmont, as seen on German model Heidi Klum. It's highly practical, making it ideal for everyday use. This functional beauty costs around $2,140.
This this face-shaped bag by Schiaparelli was dubbed by Flair as "the coolest bag of 2022." Hovering between fashion and art, it is actually quite functional. In the picture, it is carried by supermodel Karlie Kloss and costs somewhere around $5,000.
Bella Hadid, like many other top models, celebrities, and influencers, has fallen for Balenciaga's Le Cagole model. Launched in 2001, it represents the kitschy aesthetic of the 2000s. Created by Nicholas Ghesquiere, its name roughly translates to "tacky" or "vulgar" in French.
Kim Kardashian, who is also a face of Balenciaga, has sported Le Cagole on various occasions. In her case, it's extra extra... bedazzled with rhinestones. Its price is around $2,100.
Another model that has become a coveted object among the famous is Gucci's Attache, as worn crossbody-style by Jennifer Lopez herself. Comfortable and functional, this bag has a price tag of around $2,500.
The Twisted Box Monogram by Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry is a rigid vanity case-style model that pays homage to the typical old luggage trunks in French homes with an architectural twist provided by Frank Gehry. He participated in a special edition for the brand's 160th anniversary in 2014. A specimen of this iconoclast bag is available at Sotheby’s auction house for $30,000.
The heart-shaped Le Coeur model from the Winter-Spring 2022 collection of Alaïa has won over none other than Selena Gomez. This charming piece seems like a steal compared to the rest... costing around $850.
Hermès' Kelly, named after Princess Grace Kelly (who popularized it in the late fifties), is another safe investment, in the same category of the Birkin. Its price can easily hover between $32,000 and $42,800.
Argentinian model and artist Mica Argañaraz prefers another of the most viral bags, Le Chiquito from Jacquemus. Depending on the size, you can buy it for something like $480 to $650.
Kim Kardashian, who seemingly owns every bag model there is, also has the Crystal Hourglass from Balenciaga. This sparkling addition to her collection has a hefty price tag of around $5,350.