In a constantly changing heritage market, certain luxury items cross a threshold: they are no longer just desired, they become strategically valued. This is now the case for Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, which are increasingly considered true heritage assets, to the point of inspiring the creation of a dedicated investment fund.
According to the Journal du Luxe, the American start-up Luxus, in partnership with Christie’s, is structuring this emerging market by raising several million around portfolios composed exclusively of these iconic bags.
A Carefully Managed Rarity, a Very Active Market.
If these models achieve heritage status, it is no coincidence. Their value is based on several key factors: A controlled level of rarity: Hermès deliberately limits production, each bag being handcrafted by a single artisan. Access to purchase is subject to strict waiting lists. A very dynamic secondary market: rare pieces are resold quickly, often well above their initial price. Proven appreciation: some models have seen their value triple over ten years, particularly the classic colors (black, beige) and exceptionally rare editions. According to Journal du Luxe, the first Luxus fund dedicated to Hermès bags gathered $1 million around 36 Birkin and Kelly bags, followed by a second fund of $2 million.
These transactions confirm the maturity of a market long underestimated. A new asset class that fully integrates into JEMA. At JEMA, we have been observing a clear trend for several months: exceptional wealth is no longer limited to traditional assets. Highly desirable luxury items are now part of overall wealth strategy. This evolution strengthens JEMA’s mission: Centralize the inventory of traditional and alternative assets — including collectible bags. Document their value history with reliable and structured data. Integrate expertise, invoices, and insurance documents to provide a complete and transparent view. Enable better insurance coverage, adapted to rarity and price trends. Visualize the place of these assets within the overall wealth for smarter management.
The rise of Birkin and Kelly bags as investment assets confirms what JEMA advocates: an estate is alive, and its value must be monitored with the same rigor as major financial portfolios. Why this matters for owners For collectors, families, and experts, this transformation has a direct impact: The potential value of a Hermès bag can no longer be estimated “by eye.” Market fluctuations, sought-after colors, materials, limited editions… all strongly influence valuation. Accurate documentation and regular monitoring become essential, both for insurance purposes and for future transfer or resale. With JEMA, these pieces finally find a coherent place in estate mapping: visible, monitored, secured.
Source Journal du Luxe – “Hermès Birkin and Kelly Bags Inspire an Investment Fund,” November 2025.
