At this level, the price of a handbag is rarely determined simply by its materials. Rarity, craftsmanship, provenance, celebrity association and auction history can dramatically change its value. Diamonds and exotic skins may make a bag visually spectacular, but Jane Birkin’s original bag demonstrates that history can be even more powerful. Its record-breaking price was driven largely by the story attached to the object. These handbags show how the luxury market has transformed certain accessories into collectible works of art. For most people, a handbag remains something practical to carry personal belongings. For a small group of collectors, however, the world’s rarest bags can represent craftsmanship, fashion history and investment all at once.
