Vintage designer handbags appreciated in value by a modest 2.8% in 2024, but growth over the past decade stands at an excellent 85.5%. The last word in high-end handbag collectibles is the Hermès Birkin, which the uber-rich covet like no other.

At the current time, the larger 35 and 40 versions are appreciating the fastest, according to luxury fashion resale leader The RealReal, as recently revealed by Vogue. And while the fanciest finishes may sell for the biggest bucks, a classic Birkin in black Togo leather is a timeless fashion investment that's pretty hard to beat (if you have $20,000 or thereabouts to splurge, that is...).

As for the most iconic Birkin bag of all? The first ever example (pictured), designed by Hermès for the British actress Jane Birkin, has just become the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction after fetching €8.6 million ($10m). It was bought by a private collector from Japan.

Strange things the super-rich are buying in 2025