The Secret Reason This One Hermès Bag Is Over $200,000

When it comes to expensive handbags, Hermès usually takes the cake for the highest price tags. (The bags are, after all, a better investment than diamonds.) We all know that the iconic Parisian house churns out some big-ticket items, but what exactly makes some of them so wildly expensive? In honor of a major Christie's handbag and accessory auction that just concluded, British Vogue tapped a Christie's handbag expert to get the scoop.

One bag in particular, the Hermès Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin Bag, just sold for a staggering $217,276. British Vogue explains what makes it so expensive: "The craft that goes into making it (it’s the most time-consuming of all Hermès Birkin bags) and its rarity (it’s produced in the most limited numbers and only three have ever come up at auction.)" 

In addition to the usual reasons that drive up the price—rare materials, handmade craftsmanship—the fact that a certain style has been discontinued makes it all the more valuable. "In 2005, Hermès used a specific metallic chèvre leather for one season only," British Vogue reports. "For that reason, any bag in this metallic finish fetches fantastical prices."

Scroll down to find out how much five Hermès bags sold for at Christie's latest auction. 

Find Out How Much These Hermès Bags Cost

Hermès Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin Bag from 2008. Sold for $217,276.

Hermès Shiny Bleu Roi Crocodile Birkin 30 from 2006. Sold for $133,708. 

Hermès Limited Edition Multicolor Swift Leather Constance 24 from 2017. Sold for $40,112. 

Hermès Limited Edition Capucine Epsom Kelly 28 Bag from 2018. Sold for $30,075. 

Hermès Bleu Zanzibar Birkin 25 from 2017. Sold for $27,716. 

Hermès Shiny Geranium Alligator Mini Constance 18 from 2016. Sold for $36,751.

Hermès Custom Vert Anis Pink Togo Leather Birkin 25 with Palladium Hardware from 2011. Sold for $23,383. 

Hermès Fuchsia Ostrich Birkin 35 from 2005. Sold for $21,728. 

Hermès Rare Metallic Silver Chèvre Leather Mini Constance Bag from 2005. Sold for $21,727. 

Hermès Limited Edition Toile de Camp Swift Leather Constance 24 from 2017. Sold for $20,049. 

Hermès Bleu Jean Ostrich Mini Kelly Bag from 2005. Sold for $20,053. 

Hermès Custom Bleu Paon and Black Leather Birkin 30 from 2016. Sold for $20,046.

Hermès Matte Rouge Crocodile Birkin 30 from 2004. Sold for $20,043. 

Hermès Limited Edition Malachite Togo Leather Kelly Bag from 2017. Sold for $18,382. 

Hermès Limited Edition Leather Birkin 35 Bag from 2012. Sold for $15,8743. 

Opening Image: The Style Stalker