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2018 saw the largest shift in accessories fashion that we have seen this decade. Small handbags became a massive hit. The fad has become a part of mainstream fashion, and now we are witnessing a return to large practical pieces.
The trend for small handbags reached a peak in 2018, with Hermes' introduction of the Mini Kelly taking the world of high fashion by storm. Not to be confused with the Kelly pochette clutch, the Mini Kelly is a 19cm miniature handbag, with a single handle, and a shoulder strap which is long enough to cross-body. The bag was initially available in box calf leather, with a short shoulder strap, in the 1980's.
Of all the tiny bags on the market, apart from the classic dimensions and exquisite craftsmanship of the Hermes bags, I love the new Loewe Mini Gate bag: it's suitably tiny (just 15cm) and available in a range of colours including this lovely baby pink. It's far from practical: not only is it too small to hold my iPhone 8 plus with my wallet, but hey, if you have someone to carry money for you, don't need a giant phone and are too beautiful to need make up, it's perfect. Available from www.loewe.com
Another new trend - or perhaps should I say fad - that appeared in 2018 was the return of the bum bag. Equally unfortunately named fanny pack in the US, I have decided that if I had to wear one of these, this would be the Valentino Rockstud Spike Leather Belt Bat. Available at
www.harrods.com
What will happen to bag sizes in 2019?
It took most of the year to learn how to squeeze my wordly belongings into a 30cm Birkin instead of the usual spacious 35cm bag, and now that I have mastered that skill, I can comfortably report that I would still rather carry a large handbag! The first appearance on the scene has been the bucket bag. This one by Staud works well if you left your ice bucket at home.
Available at www.selfridges.com. Not quite my thing.
We are now seeing an increased number of requests for Birkin 35s: the bag that has been the most sought-after accessory in fashion history. |
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Auction Results
Christie's auctions are always a good marker for the strength of the Hermes handbag resale market. Large bags fared relatively well in western Europe and the US, but across the Middle East and the Far East , it was the small bags that were whipped up.
Here are the results from 2018:
- In May, the Hong Kong handbag auction raised HK$43m, that's £4.3m
- In June, the online handbag auction raised US$1.9m, which is £1.49m
- In October, the online auction raised HK$ 2.3m (approximately £828,000)
- In November, the Hong Kong Handbag and Accessories auction raised HK$ 43m
- In December, the London Handbag and Accessories auction raised £2.9m
The fact that the Far East auctions are approximately double those in London are an accurate reflection of the market: there are more Hermes shops in Japan than in any other country, and the quest for the ultimate handbag may be fiercer in the Far East than anywhere else. There are also more super high net worth individuals in the Far East who collect art and precious artefacts than in Europe. What we do not see here is a US presence: this is because there are several auction houses in the US, including Christies and Heritage Auctions who run regular handbag auctions. |
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The Lilac Blue London Mayfair showroom
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Back in London work is underway to revamp the showroom. Much-needed I hear you say! At last, we will be making this a lovely sanctuary where clients can relax, sip a glass of tea, cappuccino or champagne, and look at Europe's largest collection of new Hermes bags..... |
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As always, we're delighted to see you in Vigo Street.
Annabelle Hunt, Lilac Blue London, March 2019
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