17-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) A whole cabinet of Hermes bags and a highly sought-after Himalaya Kelly handbag, often referred to as the “ceiling” of the collector’s world, with a price tag well over 1 million Malaysian Ringgit(S$ 292,775) were among the luxury items seized in a recent arrest related to Singapore’s largest money laundering case.
The Singaporean police recently released a series of photographs showcasing a substantial haul of luxury goods following the arrest of 10 suspects involved in the country’s biggest money laundering case. Alongside Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Richard Mille and Patek Philippe watches, what drew the most attention were the numerous high-end bags from brands like Hermes and Chanel, with the spotlight firmly on the rare white-to-grey gradient Himalaya Kelly handbag.
Keen-eyed netizens swiftly identified the luxury items, including the exceptionally rare Himalaya Kelly handbag, which is considered a pinnacle of luxury with a price tag exceeding 1 million Malaysian Ringgit. This top-tier luxury item is typically only available to privileged customers and requires a distinguished status for purchase. The Hermes Himalaya Kelly handbag is a coveted masterpiece among bag collectors, often dubbed the “world’s rarest handbag.”
Due to its exclusive nature and limited availability, the bag is not publicly sold. It is reserved for select VIP customers of esteemed status and can be custom ordered after meeting specific allocation criteria, often involving lengthy waiting times for delivery. Therefore, speculation about the bag’s owner suggests they are far from an ordinary individual of means.
Crafted from full Niloticus crocodile leather, the Himalaya Kelly handbag boasts a color gradient from rock gray to pearly white, transitioning to a pure and pristine white in the center and gradually fading into shades of gray on the sides. This exquisite gradient effect is reminiscent of the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountains, lending the bag its name.
According to auction house Sotheby’s website, over the past five years, the auction prices for this top-tier Hermes handbag have increased annually by an average of 21%, with larger sizes becoming even more expensive. The estimated price for the 28 cm Himalaya Kelly bag, as seen in the photos, has soared by 43%, reaching a staggering $300,000 USD (approximately 1.4 million Malaysian Ringgit), solidifying its status as an unparalleled luxury item.
