By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director, Kinghams Auctioneers, Moreton in Marsh.
The market for pre-loved/pre-owned designer goods and accessories is booming. The driving force is a responsible need for sustainability and the desire for individuality in the fashion set.
Handbags are where it is all at and there are a few highly desirable brands that command the highest prices at auction. These are but not limited to Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Hermes, Fendi, Gucci, Mulberry and Saint Laurent to name a few.
The brand which consistently archives the highest prices is the iconic and finely crafted Birkin and Kelly bags by French house Hermes. A Hermes Himalaya Retourne Kelly 25 bag sold for an eye-watering $350,000 at auction two years ago.
Designer goods are now proven solid investments with collectors and investors vying for the key brands and models. After all, why put money in an investment account when you can wear it on your arm and get some enjoyment out of it not to mention potentially see the value increase?
Cotswold-based auctioneers Kinghams are leading the way in holding specialist auctions for such luxuries. Sophie Higgs is the specialist in charge of sourcing stock, cataloguing and curating her Designer Goods auctions which are held five times a year at the Moreton in Marsh auction centre. Eash item is lovingly photographed and presented in a glossy printed catalogue which is published on multiple worldwide bidding platforms to ensure maximum market exposure. Kinghams have high net worth buyers on their books located in the UK and across the globe.
In the February auction, Lot 377, a 2017 Hermes Birkin 25 handbag with a burgundy leather exterior totalled £7,800 and in the same auction, Lot 317, a Chanel blue patent Classic Jumbo double flap handbag totalled £3,120.
To coincide with this vibrant market, Sophie will be holding a special one-off valuation day in Dorridge. In a market notoriously flooded with counterfeits, Sophie will be on hand to advise clients, and authenticate and suggest the current market value of their handbag(s) and designer goods such as sunglasses, scarves and other accessories. Entries are also invited for Sophie’s forthcoming Designer Goods auctions.
The event is free of charge with voluntary donations to the Air Ambulance service welcome. It will be held on Thursday April 11 from 11am to 2pm at Dorridge Village Hall, B93 8QA.
Free no-obligation home visits are available to clients with large or multiple items.
For further information, please contact Area Manager Carol Jones on 07802 839915 or email [email protected]
