STAIR is thrilled to offer lots from various collections of luxury handbags in our upcoming Fine Jewelry and Luxury Goods sale. STAIR often partners with outside specialists and experts for special collections. In advance of the sale, we worked with Julia Bloodgood, fashion historian and certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, to learn more about what she looks for when appraising the remarkable lots from the sale.

Lot 20: Hermès Birkin 32 cm HAC, Chocolate Evercalf and Ecru Toile GM Canvas with Palladium Hardware

Lot 80: Hermès Constance Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware

Lot 53: Hermès Kelly Sellier 35cm Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware

JB: When appraising handbags one must not only take into account the popularity of the brand name, but also, the condition and the desirability of the style. Not all bags from a collectable label such as Chanel or Hermès are equal. While the Kelly [Lot 53], the Birkin [Lot 20], and the Constance [Lot 80] are the prestige pieces from Hermès, ones made of exotic skins are highly desired.

Lot 5: Hermès Birkin 32cm HAC in Verte Veronese Ostrich with Gold Hardware

Lot 20: Hermès Birkin 32 cm HAC, Chocolate Evercalf and Ecru Toile GM Canvas with Palladium Hardware

Lot 138A: Hermès 35 cm Birkin, Orange Gulliver Leather

JB: When buying these pieces at auction Hermès collectors look for handbags that include the lock, clochette, and keys. Though there may be some light surface wear, expected for the age of the piece, there is a significant loss in value without these accessories. 

Lot 139: Chanel Karl Lagerfeld Top Handle Kelly-Style Handbag, Quilted Black Caviar Leather Gold-Plated Hardware

JB: As an appraiser, it is always a joy to be able to see crocodile [Lots 53 & 80] and ostrich skin [Lots 5 & 11] Hermès handbags, but my favorite grouping is Lot 139. The top handle Kelly-style quilted caviar leather Chanel handbag is one of my favorite Karl Lagerfeld designed styles from the late 1980s. It speaks to a time of Postmodernity when Lagerfeld was embracing both heightened femininity and the hard edge of street style. And of course, who doesn’t desire a Chanel flap bag.  

Julia Bloodgood is a Certified member of the Appraisers Association of America specializing in Couture, Designer & Vintage Clothing and Luxury Accessories from the 18th century through to contemporary fashion. In addition she has handled collections of Antique and Historic Dress and Costume, Lace, Quilts, Textiles, Costume Jewelry, Handbags & Non-Western Dress. Ms. Bloodgood is Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant. Having collaborated with museums, collectors, dealers, auction houses, and art advisory services, Ms. Bloodgood has a wide range of experience within the fields of Fashion and Appraising. She holds a Masters from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Fashion and Textile Studies. Julia Bloodgood offers white glove services, preparing appraisals for Charitable Contributions, Estates, Equitable Distribution, Insurance, Scheduling & Damage and Loss. Her consulting services include estate planning & museum and auction house liaising.