Christie’s Dubai is showcasing 20 exceptional bags from the upcoming London auction of Handbags and Accessories on 19 November 2019. Christie’s handbags and accessories auctions offer rare and unique pieces from the leading names in fashion – Chanel, Gucci, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, amongst others. From vintage to contemporary, this season’s sales can be explored on Christie’s website and also at Christie’s Dubai until the 17th of October (10 am to 6 pm) where the specialist, Lucile Andreani, showcases 20 exquisite bags.
Alongside regular online and live auctions in Hong Kong, London, New York and Paris, selected collector pieces are also available for immediate purchase through Christie’s Private Sales all year round. Furthermore, Lucile is present for free and confidential valuations of individual pieces or collections, or to discuss private selling opportunities.
Since the first handbag was sold at The Chanel Wardrobe Sale in London in 1979, Christie’s has been an important player and an early mover in the handbag market.
Through the late 1980s and 1990s as part of ‘Costume & Textiles’, the 2000s as part of ‘Fashion’, 2010-2011 in the ‘Elegance’ Sales, and since 2012 as a category of its own, handbags have had consistent, organic growth.
More recently, Christie’s strong online business in this department has led them to their dedicated live auctions – the first being held in Hong Kong in November 2014, followed by Paris in March 2015. The success of these auctions has solidified Christie’s position as a leader in the market and reinforced their decision to continue to grow business in these regions.
These sales came about due to the demand for Hermès handbags. Each item is made with delicate care and skilled craftsmanship and is highly sought-after. There are often waiting lists for such handbags of a particular skin or colour and so, providing these items at auction gives bidders the attractive option of jumping the queue.
Today Christie’s auctions of Handbags and Accessories are comprised of vintage handbags as well as those of more recent manufacture. Often, the handbags that achieve the best performance at auction are relatively new, but are made of rare skins and have unique colours.
