As predicted by a study published by Baghunter in January this year, 2016 has seen the Hermès Birkin handbag continue its 35-year trend of increase in demand and value. The Birkin has broken the record it already held as the world’s most expensive handbag twice this year – a 35 Braise Shiny Porosus Crocodile Birkin sold for $298,000 in April, and a 30 Himalayan Niloticus Crocodile Birkin sold for $300,168 in June. On top of this, Hermès has announced a significant increase in sales of handbags, up more than 16%, showing that demand is as high as ever for the iconic bag.
The success of the Birkin throughout 2016 bodes well for investors heading into 2017 and reiterates the opportunity Birkin bags provide for anyone seeking a new investment opportunity. Baghunter has gathered data from purchases, sales, and consignments made on the platform and combined the data with other publically available metrics to conclude that black Birkins are the most valuable for investors seeking a healthy return in both the short and long term. Regarding material, investors should look out for Shiny Porosus Crocodile and Niloticus Crocodile skins as the materials with the most value for Birkin bags.
“2016 has been an extraordinary year for the Birkin”, said Baghunter CEO, Evelyn Fox, “From record-breaking sales to increased demand continuing to drive the value upwards, the Birkin is still the most desirable investment piece. This year there has been a massive increase in the number of pristine condition Birkins sold on Baghunter as more and more people purchase Birkins solely for investment purposes.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to its record-breaking sale, the 30 Himalayan Crocodile Birkin is the most valuable of 2016, rising in value by 13.3% this year. The runner-up is the 35 Togo Birkin, increasing in value by 8.7% in 2016, with the 35 Black Epsom Birkin rounding off the top three have increased in value by 6.9% this year.
