The World's Most Expensive Bag Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week
Fashion house Rabanne has unveiled the "most expensive handbag" in the world during Paris Fashion Week, which runs from September 23 to October 1, 2024.
The one-of-a-kind, handcrafted 1969 Nano Bag is a tribute to the "most expensive dress in the world," made of gold and diamonds, designed by Paco Rabanne for French fashion icon Françoise Hardy in 1968, according to WWD.
Crafted from 18-carat gold, the bag made its runway debut on Wednesday. It took 100 hours of meticulous craftsmanship by Maison Rabanne and French jeweler Arthus Bertrand.
Photo Credit: Paco Rabanne
On the runway, Creative Director Julien Dossena paired the gleaming handbag with a dazzling low-cut mini dress, metallic pointed-toe heels, and a pendant necklace, perfectly capturing the house’s iconic chainmail aesthetic. The ensemble blended modern glamour with classic elegance, showcasing Rabanne’s ability to merge past and future designs seamlessly.
Alongside the gold 1969 Nano Bag, Rabanne introduced two new handbags for its Spring/Summer 2025 collection: the 1969 Ceramic Bag, featuring ceramic discs crafted by Astier de Villatte, and the 1969 Glass Bag, made from Murano glass medallions by Venetian glassmaker Venini. Both bags will be available for order at the Rabanne boutique in Paris.
"They were truly exceptional pieces to work with," said Dossena, Rabanne's creative director. These exclusive bags will be available for order at the Rabanne boutique in Paris following the fashion show.
The 1969 Nano: The Most Expensive Bag in the World
This bag is more than a symbol of luxury; it embodies the brand's unwavering commitment to artistry and craftsmanship. In an industry where trends come and go, this piece serves as a lasting tribute to timeless design, blending fashion with exceptional craftsmanship.
Priced at $279,000, the newly unveiled square-shaped bag surpasses the price of any other handbag on the market, including the coveted Hermès Birkin. While Birkin bags typically range from $17,000 to $200,000 depending on size and production year, Rabanne's latest creation sets a new standard.
Previously, the record for the most expensive handbag was held by the Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30, which features 18-karat white gold hardware and white diamonds. It sold for $450,000 at Sotheby’s in 2022. In 2021, a smaller version, the Diamond Himalaya Birkin 25, sold for $300,000.
Sotheby’s generally prices vintage, diamond-encrusted Birkin bags between $100,000 and $200,000. However, according to Women's Wear Daily, Rabanne’s latest masterpiece now holds the title of the "most expensive bag in the world."
Paris Fashion Week
Fresh off the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris is now hosting the prestigious women’s ready-to-wear shows for the Spring-Summer 2025 season. This edition opened with a spotlight on emerging French designers.
Following shows in New York, London, and Milan, 106 brands are set to participate in 66 runway shows and approximately 40 collection presentations in Paris.
France’s major fashion houses—Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton—are all slated to showcase their collections over the next 10 days. However, this season is marked by turbulence, as LVMH and Kering's financial results have dipped slightly, leading to restructuring and unconfirmed rumors. Notably, speculations suggest Hedi Slimane or Jacquemus may join Chanel, while John Galliano might be departing Margiela.
