For many millennials who grew up in the 1990s, Kelly Chen is more than a household name. As a pop icon, wife, and mother of two, Chen’s legacy in music, movies, and concerts has left an indelible mark. Dubbed the “Diva of Asia,” her stardom isn’t limited to her achievements in entertainment; her impeccable taste in fashion, particularly her love for Hermès, has also garnered widespread admiration.
In 2023, the Hong Kong stop and finale of the exhibition “Bags: Inside Out,” co-hosted by Swire Properties and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, showcased 13 of Chen’s bags, cementing her status as a fashion icon. This season, Sotheby’s Handbags & Accessories will offer a rare opportunity to own 10 Hermès bags from Chen’s enviable collection, including the one-of-a-kind HSS Medor Rockstud Birkin 35. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund, adding a philanthropic touch to this luxurious affair.
Chen’s bag collection is a testament to her discerning taste and dedication to collecting Hermès bags that are both timeless and trendsetting. Among the treasures up for auction is the Hermès Himalaya, renowned for its Niloticus crocodile skin that transitions seamlessly from white to light brown, mimicking the majestic snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas. This bag, often referred to as the “holy grail” for collectors, is a rare find due to its intricate and time-consuming creation process.
Other standout pieces include the Hermès Shearling “Teddy” Kelly, a cozy winter accessory with suede leather and shearling edges, and the Faubourg Birkin, which pays homage to Hermès’ flagship store in Paris with its architectural design elements. Chen’s collection also features the Limited Edition Bronze Chèvre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware from 2004, a piece she purchased to celebrate her marriage, symbolising good fortune and union in Chinese culture.
The Sotheby’s Handbags & Accessories online auction, running from 23 September to 3 October 2024, promises to be a significant event for collectors and fans alike. Highlights of the auction include the customised Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware from 2011, and Chen’s legendary White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware from 2009. Interested bidders can view these iconic bags up close during a public exhibition at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong from 28 September to 3 October 2024.
Morgane Halimi, the global head of handbags and fashion at Sotheby’s, describes Chen’s collection as “a perfect collection that sets an inspiring example for any handbag collector.” Chen’s unique style and personal journey are reflected in her assortment of handbags, illuminating the path of a true style icon.
Chen’s passion for Hermès began over two decades ago with the purchase of a Graphite Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30, which quickly became a staple in her wardrobe. Her collection journey started with classic colors like black, grey, and tan, before evolving into more daring palettes, such as the Metallic Kellys. Each piece in her collection tells a story, capturing the spirit of an era and the milestones in her life.
“My love for Hermès bags began more than two decades ago,” Chen shares. “For me, what makes a collection special are the memories behind each piece. It is truly rewarding to see that collection mature and evolve throughout the years as I grow. Every song and role I created in my career contributes to who I am now, and that to me is the same for handbags. I see deep connections between my choices in handbags and the stages in life that I was going through, which ultimately granted me new perspectives that I wish to share with the public.”
Chen’s commitment to philanthropy is as strong as her love for fashion. Established in 2002, the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund supports students from low-income families with financial assistance. The auction’s proceeds will further this cause, blending Chen’s passion for giving back with her exquisite taste in luxury handbags.
Among the coveted items in Chen’s collection, the Limited Edition Bronze Chèvre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware, a gift she bought herself to celebrate her marriage, and the Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, customised with rockstud elements for a personal touch, stand out.
(Left) Kelly Chen’s Collection: Limited Edition Bronze Chèvre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware, 2004 (Estimate HK$380,000 – 1,000,000) ;
(Right) Kelly Chen’s Collection: Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2011(Estimate HK$200,000 – 1,000,000)
Kelly Chen’s Hermès collection is more than just a display of luxury; it’s a reflection of her life, career, and the values she holds dear. For collectors and fans, the upcoming Sotheby’s auction is not just an opportunity to own a piece of fashion history but to be a part of Chen’s philanthropic journey, blending style with substance in a truly inspiring manner.
Images from: Sotheby’s
