The majority of women have at least one purse in their closet, but while many don’t like to splurge on accessories, a select few will empty their bank accounts to acquire one of the most expensive designer bags in the world. Why spend so much money on a handbag? Well, for one, the exclusiveness of these handbags grants a sense of social status to their purchaser. But owning an expensive designer bag will also earn you the recognition of the fashion industry kings and queens.
However, the price to pay for a quality designer bag is so astronomically high that they surpass the average woman’s budget. In fact, even if a woman has one of the top 15 best paying jobs, which we listed in a previous article, she won’t likely get her hands on one of these luxury pieces. You might think I’m exaggerating, but I assure you, your eyes will pop out of your skull at the value of the most expensive designer bags in the world. Take a look and see for yourself.
9. Marc Jacobs Carolyn Crocodile Handbag
Price: $30,000
For the tame, yet exotic lady, this purple crocodile leather bag is a highly sought-after piece amongst fashion queens and business women, due to its quilted texture. While Marc Jacobs launches a new line of accessories every season, the Carolyn Croc bag remains one of the most popular items in his collection.
The most expensive designer bags in the world only get more luxurious, exclusive, and expensive from here. Prepare your eyes for popping.
8. Fendi Selleria Bag
Price: $38,000
The Italian power design house is known for its sleek and sophisticated designs, and the Selleria bag is no exception. While its shape is on the conventional side, its material is what really makes it noteworthy; the handbag is crafted out of sable and chinchilla skin, which are two of the rarest and priciest leathers on the market.
7. Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag
Price: $42,000
With only 20 of these jewels open for purchase, it’s clear where the exclusiveness comes into play. Although the aesthetics of this handbag are questionable, as it flaunts the art of meshing together several different purses into one patchwork bag, it’s a collectors’ item, and priced as such.
6. Leiber Precious Rose
Price: $92,000
When Judith Leiber created her brand in 1963, I’m sure she had faith in her talent, but I’m guessing she never imagined her most esteemed and loyal customers would be the First Ladies of the world. However, her creations are so magnificent and expensive, that it’s unlikely anyone else could afford them. The Precious Rose model is literally one of a kind, and features 1,016 diamonds, 1,169 pink sapphires, and 800 tourmalines. The icing on the cake: these stones are set in 18-carat white gold to shape a perfect rose.
5. Hermes Matte Crocodile Birkin Bag
Price: $120,000
Although Hermes offers the Birkin bag, created in honour of Jane Birkin, for $5,000, this version is far more luxurious than its peers. Crafted out of the finest crocodile leather and decorated with 10-carat white diamonds on its clasps, this bag screams elegance and finesse.
4. Lana Marks Cleopatra Bag
Price: $250,000
Can you imagine spending a quarter of a million dollars on an accessory? Well, if you’re a fashion mogul or it-girl, you probably can and will, because Lana Marks only creates one of these purses per year, changing its design every time. However, most designs feature alligator hide in a metallic finish and a clasp comprised of 1,500 black and white diamonds, encrusted in 18-carat white gold.
3. Chanel “Diamond Forever” Handbag
Price: $261,000
Just when you think it can’t get any pricier, we present you the top three most expensive designer bags in the world. With a total of 13 copies worldwide, this crocodile leather purse is pure elegance. With shoulder straps made of white gold and the Chanel clasp adorned with 334 diamonds (3.65 carats total), this exclusive item will only fall in the hands of a truly appreciative (and wealthy) woman.
2. Hermes Birkin Bag by Ginza Tanaka
Price: $1.9 million
While there’s no crocodile leather involved in this creation by Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka, it does sport an absurd amount of bling. Crafted out of platinum and adorned with 2,000 diamonds, this purse is a triple threat. Its sling (also made out of diamonds) can be removed and worn as a necklace, while the bag’s front centerpiece – a pear-shaped 8-carat stone – can be used as a brooch. At least you’re getting your money’s worth, right?
1. Mouawad’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse
Price: $3.8 million
You’re surely wondering what on earth could be so special about this purse that it costs twice as much as even the second-most expensive one! Well, for one, it took 10 professional artisans and 8,800 hours of work to create this masterpiece, which broke the Guinness World Record for most expensive handbag in the world. Fashioned completely out of 18-carat gold and shaped like a heart, the purse’s signature is its prominent decorations: 56 pink diamonds, 105 yellow diamonds, and 4,356 colorless diamonds, which account for the extraordinary value of the most expensive designer bag in the world.
