Fashion

Most Exclusive Purses for Women

by Robert Anthony
Stocksy

A purse is to a woman what balls are to a man, it’s just a little bag, but we feel naked in public without it. Purchasing the perfect handbag is a sacred ritual that turns any typically sane woman into a “stomp my feet until I get it” little girl. When walking down the hallway of opulence into the handbag section, women seldom leave without making a massive contribution to the economy.

A woman’s handbag is as complex as the woman herself – the key to her real identity. Handbags are a form of self expression that many women would sell their own mothers for, let alone max out their credit cards. No price is too high when choosing the perfect accessory that leaves other women envious and drooling. Below we’ve listed the top 10 most expensive handbags that are a sure fire way to light the jealously flame under anyones ass.

10. Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag

The Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork bag was initially created as an ode to fifteen handbags from the brands previous spring, summer, and cruise collections. Louis Vuitton’s long time collaborative partner Marc Jacobs took the pilot’s seat on this project. In an effort to maintain exclusivity, only twenty tribute pieces were produced, each containing a number to ensure authenticity. The bag is adorned with a solid gold chain and gold detailing. Although the critics refer to the Patchwork Bag as “Frankenstein’s Monster”, its jaw-dropping price makes its way onto this countdown. Sticker Price: $ 52,500

9. Louis Vuitton New Age Traveler Backpack

Perhaps if the nerdy kid in school sported Louis Vuitton’s New Age Traveler Backpack they would not get made fun of as much. Staying true to their signature Monogram canvas, Louis Vuitton produced this backpack for the future cool kids of the world. Draped with supple leather tassels and a large amount of crocodile skin, Louis Vuitton transformed everyday gear into high art. The uber recognizable LV logo is spotted all over the cream colored creation making sure that any person wearing it will be a class apart.

Sticker Price: $54,500

8. Hermes Himalaya Matte Crocodile Birkin 

The Hermes Birkin Bag is the epitome of class and wealth. The Himalaya Matte Crocodile Birkin catapults the already chic bag into a new league of posh. Being the only one of its kind, this bag is the most sought after, and one of the most expensive bags on the market. Recently selling at auction as part of the Heritage Auction’s Handbags and Luxury Accessories Signature, this Crocodile masterpiece piqued every fashionistas interest. Find more exclusive Birkins at JanesFinds.

Sticker Price: $80,000

7. Judith Lieber Precious Rose Bag

“That which we call a Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet”; in this case that which Judith Lieber calls a Precious Rose is just that, precious. This three dimensional Rose is the perfect accessory for any girly girl that can afford its price tag. This handbag is adorned with 1,016 diamonds which total 42.56 Karats, alongside 1,169 pink sapphires and 800 tourmalines. The stunning price is a result of the exclusivity of the bag, only two were ever made.

Sticker Price: $92,000

6.  Hermes Diamond Matte Crocodile Birkin 

As stated previously, the Brikin Bag is the premier symbol of status and wealth. The attached price tags which often reach the six figure range ensure as much. The Hermes Diamond Matte Crocodile Birkin is created with high quality crocodile leather. That alone explains its market value; however the luxury does not end there. Each of these beautiful handbags feature a diamond studded clasp totaling 10 Karats of diamonds set on a bed of white gold.  Only two handbags of this caliber were produced by Hermes making it the No. 6 handbag on our list.

Sticker Price: $120,000

5. Margaret Thatcher’s Back Handbag by Asprey 

The Iron Lady toted this now iconic handbag to many a negotiation making it not a mere accessory, but a symbol of power. Asprey’s boxy black handbag made famous by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was present for many of the crucial events of the 1980’s. The bag made its way onto the list for the pre-auction estimates of its actual value. However, when the bag reached Christi’s auction in London, it sold for much less than its actual valued price ($40,000)

Sticker Price: $160,000 (pre-auction value)

4. Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch 

Every year Lana Marks does her name justice and “marks” Hollywood’s red carpet. Lana Marks annually creates a one of a kind piece to be worn by a starlet worthy of its beauty. Earlier this year the Cleopatra Clutch made headlines in London when it made its way into the Royal Wedding of the century in the hands of Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. The iconic clutch, that made its debut at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, is made of metallic silver alligator skin and 1,000 white and black diamonds.

Sticker Price: $250,000

3. Chanel Diamond Forever Tote

Chanel’s limited edition release of the Diamond Forever Tote made headlines in 2007 when Forbes named it the “costliest handbag on the market”. Producing only thirteen units of this beautiful bag, Chanel made sure that it is worn by women of a current status. The bag is crafted out of alligator leather with the signature Chanel linked C’s. In this case however, the timeless C’s are embezzled with 334 diamonds weighing a total of 3.56 Karats set on a bed of white gold.

Sticker Price: $261, 000

2. Ginza Tanaka Diamond Handbag 

Japanese jewelry designer Ginza Tanaka wanted to make a name for herself when creating this one of a kind masterpiece. Needless to say, she was successful when this bag debuted at a Fashion Show in Tokyo in 2007. The bag is made of pure platinum with a total of 2,000 diamonds engulfing it. The 8 Karat center stone rests on a bed of 81 smaller diamonds. The shoulder strap is a long string of diamonds set on platinum as well. When creating this bag Tanaka ensured its functionality by making the center stone and shoulder strap removable and worn as a brooch and necklace, respectively.

Sticker Price: $1.9 million

1. Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse

Not only did this handbag top our list, but it stole the Guinness Book of World Records title for the most expensive handbag ever made. The 1001 Nights Diamond Purse by Mouawad makes every other bag pale in comparison. Taking ten artisans a total of 8,800 hours to craft this 381.92 Karat jewel, this bag is a labor of true craftsmanship. It is crafter out of pure 18 Karat gold encrusted with 4,517 diamonds.

 Sticker Price: $3.8 million

Elite.