Originally published: August 23, 2017 | Updated: September 2026
Few fashion houses have created handbags with the mystique of Hermès. The Birkin and Kelly may be the undisputed icons, but look beyond these coveted classics and an extraordinary world of Hermès handbags emerges—from the Constance and Lindy to the Picotin, Garden Party, Herbag and dozens of lesser-known designs.
The fascination can become something of an obsession. Victoria Beckham has been widely reported to own an Hermès handbag collection valued at around $2 million, including an impressive assortment of Birkins. Whether that estimate is exact or not, her collection has become part of modern Birkin lore—and illustrates just how powerful the allure of an Hermès handbag can be.
Then there is the investment story. In a widely cited 2016 study, luxury handbag resale company Baghunter compared the performance of the Hermès Birkin with the S&P 500 and gold over the 35-year period from 1980 to 2015. The findings were extraordinary: Birkin values had increased by more than 500%, with an average annual increase of 14.2%. By comparison, the study calculated an average real return of 8.65% for the S&P 500 and -1.5% for gold over the same period.
The findings generated headlines around the world suggesting that a Birkin could outperform the stock market—and helped transform the handbag from the ultimate fashion trophy into something increasingly viewed as an alternative luxury asset.
There is an important caveat. The research was conducted by Baghunter, a luxury handbag resale company, rather than an independent financial institution, and the study examined historical performance through 2015. A handbag is also very different from a traditional financial investment: resale value can vary considerably according to model, leather, color, rarity, condition and provenance, and past appreciation does not guarantee future returns.
And there is far more to Hermès than the Birkin. Across generations, the French maison has created an extraordinary archive of handbags—some instantly recognizable, others known primarily to devoted collectors.
Global Glam originally explored 82 Hermès handbag styles in 2017. Nearly a decade later, we’re revisiting the collection: the icons, the enduring classics, and the hidden gems even seasoned Hermès lovers may have overlooked.
Dreaming of a Birkin or Kelly? Explore Global Glam’s insider guide to how to score a Hermès quota bag without the pre-spend games
Hermès Collector Favorites
HIMALAYAN CROC BIRKIN
Crafted with Nilo Crocodile of the Himalayan mountains, hours-long dyeing process, 18-karat hardware, and over eight carats of white diamonds, the Himalayan has been crowned the world’s rarest, most extravagantly priced handbag. Understandably, this $400K Himalayan is exclusive to only VIP Hermès clientele. Once acquired, it will certainly be a timeless item for those luxurious collectors. The Himalayan is also part of Victoria Beckham’s two million dollar collection.
Below is a less exclusive alternative to this $400K-plus Diamond Himalayan because it excludes the 18k gold and 8.2 total diamond carat weight. Priced at just above $100K, this palladium-hardwared bag can be shopped online and still be the epitome of luxury.
ARDENNE BIRKIN
Everyone is familiar with the classic, black Birkin. This Ardenne version was made popular in the late 90’s. With its gold hardware and structured pebble leather, this makes for the perfect staple to start your Birkin collection.
TOGO BIRKIN
Featured in this bold red hue, the togo bag comes in a variety of shades and makes for on of the most popular Birkins.
SWIFT BIRKIN
This soft blue and silvertone hardware beautifully complement one another in one of the more storage-conscious Birkins.
COURCHEVEL KELLY
Before the Birkin, there was the Kelly bag which was modeled after Grace Kelly. In this version, the classic Kelly bag gets a color update. This is a great way to add touch of color to a natural outfit, and this refined shade of yellow can seamlessly transition into your fall wardrobe.
FORTUNIO
This re-released 1930s clutch with a matching orange-red lip and a little black dress will be a trifecta of femininity and glamour. The silver clasp adds a modern and slick detail to the calfskin clutch.
FOURBI
A unique take of the signature Hermès scarves, this “Carré en Cravates” silk print and barenia calfskin is the perfect carry-all bag. The well-preserved interior and large pockets make this bag practical as it is fashionable.
VERROU CHAINE
And the Hermès archive extends far beyond its most famous designs. From beloved classics to discontinued treasures and lesser-known collector finds, here are more of the house’s remarkable handbag styles.
82 Hermès Handbags: Classics & Hidden Gems
BEACH
BERLIN
BERLINGOT
BIRKIN
BOLIDE
BOURLINGUE
CABAG
CABAG TWIST
CARAVAN TOTE
CATENINA
CHRISTINE
CLUB BIRKIN
COLORADO
CONSTANCE
CONSTANCE ELAN
DALVY
DOUBLE SENS TOTE
DRAG
EGEE CLUTCH
ESCALE TOTE
ESCAPADE
ETRIVIERE
ETRIVIERE SHOPPING TOTE
EVELYN I
EVELYN II
EVELYN III
FACO CLUTCH
FARMING BASKET
FOURRE TOUT
GAO HOBO
GARDEN PARTY TOTE
GOODNEWS
HALZEN
HAUT A COURROIES
HERBAG
JIG CLUTCH
JYPSIERE
KELLY
KELLY ADO
KELLY DANSE
KELLY DEPECHES
KELLY FLAT
KELLY LAKIS
KELLY LONGUE
KELLY POCHETTE
SO KELLY
KELLY SPORT
LE TOTE
LINDY
MARKET
MARWARI
MASSAI
MASSAI CUT
MEDOR CLUTCH
OMNIBUS
PAN CLUTCH
PARIS BOMBAY
PASSE GUIDE
PICOTIN
PICOTIN LOCK
PLUME
POLOCHIN
RIO CLUTCH
ROULIS
SAC A DEPECHE
SAC EN VIE
SHADOW CLUTCH
SHOULDER BIRKIN
SHOULDER KELLY
SOIE-COOL
STEVE MESSENGER
TOOLBOX
TRIM SHOULDER
TSAKO SHOULDER
VESPA
VICTORIA II
WHITEBUS TOTE
AIRSILK
PLIPLAT
OXER
MINI CONVOYEUR
OCTOGONE
Planning your next luxury shopping pilgrimage? Discover the world’s most exclusive shopping streets with Global Glam.
Hunting for Hermès and other great fashion houses while traveling? Explore Global Glam’s guide to the most luxurious department stores in the world.
For another luxury handbag with an extraordinary history of price appreciation, discover why the Chanel Classic Flap has become a sought-after store of value.
