At a Dallas auction early this week, this Hermes Diamond Birkin handbag went for $203,150, but the collector wishes to be anonymous, Heritage Auctions claims.

This may look like an ordinary crocodile leathear bag, but what makes this really valuable is that this piece, made with crocodile hide actually, comes with a diamond encrusted hardware and 18-karat white gold.

The auction house says, the handbag is still in mint condition and its diamond hardware stands out with the vivid color of the handbag.

Hermes Handbag Sell For $203,150

This gorgeous Hermes in red and in a rare and shiny porosus crocodile material is going to be launched on December 6 at the Heritage Auctions’ Handbags & Luxury Accessories Signature® Auction in Dallas.

The handbag is expected to fetch at about $80,000 to $90,000 and it is considered one of the most precious pieces because it has solid white gold and diamond hardware.

It’s considered one of the rarest, as well and normally would be priced at about $140,000 in the market. The auction house, however, expects that this will be a treasured investment for a savvy collector this Christmas.

Hermes handbags are apparently so in demand in auction houses and aside from the Diamond Birkin, bag lovers and collectors would be thrilled to know that about 20 Kelly and Birkin designs are also up for auction, including one that comes with Palladium hardware.

Chanel, YSL and Armani handbags are also in the selection, as well as some unique Judith Leiber pieces.

For more information on this you can check this site for details.

Hermes’ Diamond Birkin to be Auctioned Dec. 6

This Nancy Gonzalez tote is eyecatching. And I was gonna say how much the design offers so much space for the user, until a friend noted that this isn’t the first time she has seen a bag like it.

In fact, there had been another release of this bag, with its extra flappy sides (yes, those wings are THE main feature!), from Celine, which came out with its envelope tote bag a couple of months back:

Although they differ in a few elements, such as the material (croc leather for the Gonzalez bag), the handles and Celine’s front pockets come with the hardware clasp, you can’t help but do a double take for this handbag and wonder if who copied whom.

Similar designs are not new to this industry. In fact, that’s basically what dictates fashion. Some people are actually saying the design for Celine’s envelope tote is also an inspired copy, or rather, a variation, of another handbag design.

Which one do you prefer between these two?

I have to say I’m partial to the Nancy Gonzalez design, in spite looking like it’s the copycat, because I like its clean and simple construction better. The Celine envelope luggage just seems a bit bulkier for me.

You?

Nancy Gonzalez Metallic Crocodile Tote vs Celine Luggage Tote

In spite the troubling economy we’re all witnessing globally, the luxury handbag market is apparently still thriving and according to Women’s Wear Daily, the rich continue to buy expensive handbags and look at these as investments, much like they see jewelry or a house and lot as investments. This is the reason why, when everyone’s feeling the pinch, designers are still coming up with really expensive, luxurious handbag collection. There’s a market out there. And here are just some of the most coveted expensive handbags the richest bagistas collect:

FENDI’s SELLERIA Collection. These are made to order handbags that are so structured and carefully crafted, to “keep their DNA intact”. I did not know that bags have their own DNA but granted, these handbags come with rich materials and are carefully handled, a piece costs as low as $38,000 and the prices get even higher, depending on design and style.

YSL’s CROCODILE MUSE. Forget about the Birkin. YSL’s Crocodile Muse is the new IT bag, the new status symbol. It’s valued at $19,950.

THE ROW’s Crocodile Backpack. When this first came out, a lot of people didn’t believe that it costs $39,000. But it’s made of the finest, softest, sturdiest crocodile leather…and it looks very, very trendy. Those Oslen twin sisters do know luxury style. (The Row is from Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen).

3 Luxury Handbags The Richest Covet

The Hermes Jypsiere handbag has been previously released by the brand for their Fall 2008 collection. But its style and design could definitely work with today’s color blocking trend.

Just take a look at how it’s done….

It even comes in an assortment of colors, which really fits what is now trending in today’s fashion.

I love the design of the Jypsiere because it looks really casual and easy to carry. The handbag, if you haven’t noticed, is a variation of the iconic Birkin Kelly handbag. Only this Jypsiere comes off as more casual since it’s a messenger/shoulder/crossbody bag. The rounded bottom makes this handbag look less rigid. It’s really perfect for dressing up a trendy outfit.

The update on the Kelly handbag, however, isn’t too drastic, for you can still see where the Jypsiere is inspired from. Thus, it makes this handbag all the more coveted because it can work for both uptown ladies as well as casual, laidback fashionista looking for a nice and suitable everyday bags.

Unfortunately, the price of the Jypsiere is a bit higher, as with all of Hermes’ merchandise. It falls around $7,000 to $8,000. *sigh*

The Jypsiere also has a version done in crocodile leather and it’s just as gorgeous as the original design.

Bag Wishlist: Hermes Jypsiere