Since the beginning of the twentieth century, handbags’ purpose and design have followed the evolution of women’s history. From the 1930s, Hermès handbags have epitomized timeless aesthetics and refinement.

These elegant bags have been carried by some of the world’s most powerful and influencing figures. The form of the handbag has changed with the times of the world, expressing the current holder’s needs or wants. The demands of modern life commands the most out of handbags today. The amount of choices has drastically increased over the past decade encompassing over sophistication, new technologies and personalisation, to raise the interest and curiosity of more informed and erudite buyers than ever before. Still today, the Hermès bag reigns queen and maintains its status as the world’s most iconic handbag. These are not just handbags, they are heirlooms that you can indulgently enjoy and pass down to the next generation. Whether you are someone deciding on your first Hermès or a collector that is seeking an addition to your passionately curated collection, here are 8 unique and coveted bags that can appeal to differing tastes and lifestyles.

Lovingly referred to as the “Panda” by many Hermès collectors because of the black and white colors that bring to mind the rare and beloved panda, these bi-colored Birkins and Kellys exist as limited editions or HSS (Hermès Special Order) handbags. The 2003 limited edition bi-colored Birkin with black front flap, handles and straps with a white togo leather body is a serious show-stopper. Needless to say, what makes the bag so outstanding is the classic contrasting timeless colors of black and white. Like their namesake, these bags are quite elusive in the market because of the striking color combo.

Launched in 2011, the Candy Series is one of the widest-ranging of limited edition bi-colored bags of Birkins (35cm, 30cm and 25cm) and Kellys (35cm, 32cm and 28cm) created by Hermès. The handbags in this collection were named as such as they came in a series of Candy bright colors, with the fine-grained Epsom leather. Some of the most delectable color combinations include: Tosca with Rose Tyrien, Kiwi with Vert Veronese, Rose Tyrien with Rubis, Rouge Casque with Blue de Malte, Blue Celeste with Mykonos, Blue Electric with Mykonos, Jaune D’Or with Potiron amongst many others. These wondrous bags available in a rainbow of colors leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store, with an irresistible wish to collect them all.

Amongst the Hermès pinks, the sweet and alluring Rose Sakura has been one of most loved of all. The Rose Sakura bears the name of the Japanese Cherry Blossom flower. The Rose Sakura is a beautiful light pale pink shade that is universally pleasing and has an uplifting effect on both the wearer of the handbag and her admirers. The rare Rose Sakura Birkin and Kelly handbags were only made with a softer Swift leather which allows this exquisite pastel color to delicately shimmer in the light.

Hermès has always collaborated with great artists since the beginnings of its journey beyond the equestrian world. Nigel Peake, whose playful and colorful; abstract and geometrical drawings of nature and cities, crossing over between architecture and art, was a natural choice. Peake’s work with Hermès started in 2009 and spanned across homeware, scarves and just recently in the Summer of 2017, handbags. The “On a Summer Day” and “On a Summer Night” Constance handbags are both whimsical and visually stunning, perfectly representing the marriage between art and craftsmanship. For those enamored of the contemporary Constance, these stand-out bags are a remarkable addition to any collection or worthwhile introduction for anyone looking for their first Hermès statement piece.

The arrival of the rose gold hardware on the Birkin bag sent the heart of many fluttering admirers afire. The Rose Gold hardware adds a discerning almost joallerie touch on the beautiful Hermès neutral shades of leather such as Gris Etain, Gris Tourterelle, Black, Bleu Nuit and even the lighter neutral tones such Craie and Nata. Rose gold hardware Birkins are rare gems and highly coveted for good reason. The Rose Gold hardware is also available on the Birkin’s more contemporary sister, the Constance and is an equally lovely statement on the H clasp.

Hermès’ artisanal history is made of exceptional craftsmanship and leather-making techniques. With this in mind, Hermès handbags that encompass long traditions of leather making techniques are the embodiment and living testimony to the handiwork and expertise of its skilled artisans. Tressage is a unique leather weaving technique that inspired the creation of the limited edition Hermès Tressage Birkin. Available only in the 30cm and 35cm sizes and limited to three classic Hermès colors, Gold, Bleu Encre and Rouge de Couer, the Tressage Birkin is crafted from the smooth Swift leather that allows the Epsom leather woven detail to standout magnificently, cascading down the center. To own a piece of such long-standing tradition and glorious craftsmanship is an authentic privilege.

Touch literally means a touche or touch of exotic on the Hermès handbag. Usually crafted on the handle, flap, sangles and clochette, the Touch is made from Togo Leather with shiny croc or alligator and reversely, the Taurillon Novillo with the matt croc or alligator. The Touch was made for a collector or wearer that desires a handbag that is exceptional yet understated. The exotic touch brings the handbag to another level of sophistication. There is no denying the elegance of this exquisite bag and the confidence it will translate to its owner. One would say that this handbag is perfect as it is; and needs nothing else to add to it.