During the Fashion Week season (September and October), Artcurial paid homage to haute couture with the Lagerfeld, Chanel and Le Mindu sales. While waiting for the Online Only Hermès and Chanel sales in November and the two annual sales of the same brands at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco in January and July, we met Alice Léger, an expert in fashion and luxury accessories at Artcurial, to find out more more about market trends.
Barnebys: What makes Artcurial a leading auction house for fashion today? Alice Leger: During our various sales, buyers have a very large choice of fashion and leather goods. Our selection can satisfy a wide range of preferences, needs, and budgets. Thus, our customers have the opportunity to buy an Hermès or Chanel bag, a Céline jacket or a Louis Vuitton wallet in various materials and from different years.
In the fashion and luxury goods sector, what are the trends to know?
The trends found on the second-hand market follow those of the catwalks. Lately, the fashion is for mini bags, therefore small sizes will be much more sought after in auctions.
Regarding Hermès, it is mainly the Kelly and Birkin bags that are in high demand. The newer the bag, the higher the price tag. This is also the case for all limited editions and special orders which can reach spectacular prices at auction. The colors depend on everyone's tastes; as for the materials, they are generally chosen according to the bag model and the use. The history of the pieces - if they were worn by a celebrity for example - and their creator or their period of creation obviously affect demand and prices; some designers have a higher rating than others, and certain periods of creation have marked the history of fashion. Bags from the So Black collection (Hermès) are highly appreciated by collectors who do not hesitate to bid well beyond estimates, as was the case in July 2021, when we sold a Birkin 30 So Black in matte black alligator for nearly €115,000.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, prices and demand have increased significantly. The price of Chanel items has also increased, particularly due to the increase in prices in stores and the brand's current popularity.
In January 2020, we sold an adorable Birkin 30 in Indian Pink Doblis calfskin estimated at €8,000-12,000 for €54,000. This bag had all the desired characteristics: small size, Doblis which is a rather rare material, and pink a color that always pleases. Another favorite was a Kelly clutch in Brighton Blue lizard that we sold in January 2022 for €23,400. The lizard is a precious and delicate skin that blends nicely with the blue color.
What are some of the highlights of the November Hermès Vintage Online sale (November 3-9)?
The Constance Bag in brown (estimate €2,500/4,500), the High Strap Bag in Red Casaque Epsom calfskin (estimate €4,500/6,500), the Kelly Retourné 32 Bag in Togo Bleu Jean calfskin (estimate €6,000/8,000), the Birkin 35 bag in dark gray Clémence bullcalf leather (estimate €4,500/6,500), and the pair of jumping boots in matte black estuary crocodile (estimate €2,800/4,800).
Discover the sales of fashion and luxury accessories from Artcurial on Barnebys!