This August, Sotheby’s Salon transforms into an intimate stage for the world’s most treasured collectibles. More than a retail space, it becomes a meeting place for collectors, connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike – a setting where conversations spark, expertise is shared, and private consultations with Sotheby’s specialists can shape future acquisitions.
The Luxury Pop-Up brings together a finely curated selection of exceptional pieces, marrying the auction house’s depth of knowledge with a curated shopping experience. Visitors can explore rare maps, first-edition books, fine jewellery and coveted watches, alongside the most elusive Hermès handbags. Collectors of horology will find limited-edition creations by Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe, while London-based designer Hannah Martin adds a bold counterpoint with her unconventional, sculptural jewels. An extension of New Bond Street’s high-end spirit, the Pop-Up offers a summer’s worth of luxury, rarity and discovery in one remarkable space.
Hermès White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware, 2019
With or without diamonds, Himalaya Birkins are a rare find for collectors and as ever in high demand – not purely as a fashion statement but as a celebration of craft, rarity, and elegance.
Few handbags inspire the level of reverence and fierce competition as the Hermès Himalaya Birkin. This 2019 White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30 with Palladium Hardware is a masterclass in design, craftsmanship, and rarity, perfectly capturing the storied heritage of the Hermès brand. Himalaya Birkin stands apart as one of the most elusive and desirable creations in the world of luxury, an object that collectors pursue as much for its beauty as for its investment potential.
The name ‘Himalaya’ speaks not to origin but to the captivating gradation of colour, achieved through one of the most challenging dyeing processes in existence. From a pristine snow-white to soft shades of grey and a rocky depth, the tones mirror the peaks and shadows of the Himalayan mountains. Executed in matte Niloticus crocodile and paired with cool palladium hardware, the effect is nothing short of spectacular. The precision required to achieve these palest tones makes each example a technical triumph as well as an aesthetic one.
The interior, lined in Gris Cendré, complements the subtle exterior palette. Measuring 30 x 22 x 16 cm, the bag retains its original accessories – clochette, lock, keys, rain protector, dust bag, and box – with protective plastic still covering most hardware, confirming it is in very good condition.
In the secondary market, Himalaya Birkins consistently command a high premium. In 2021, the smaller Birkin 25 achieved over $300,000 at Sotheby’s, while the 30cm model, prized for its perfect balance between elegance and practicality, often realises around $150,000, depending on condition. Older examples with more visible wear still attract considerable attention, a testament to the enduring allure of the design.
For the serious collector, the Himalaya Birkin bag represents a rare intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and investment. Coveted globally and capable of achieving record-breaking results whenever it appears at auction, it remains one of the ultimate trophies in the world of luxury. To own one is to possess a piece of fashion history and a work of art in its own right.
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Mini Constance 18 Palladium Hardware, 2018
Hermès’ association with Ostrich leather – farmed in South Africa – dates back to the 1920s, when the brand started experimenting with exotic skins to elevate its collections. Characterised by distinctive quills and supple finish, Ostrich leather soon became a hallmark of Hermès’ commitment to luxury and exclusivity.
The 2018 Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Mini Constance is a compact statement of elegance, made for those who move through the city with poise and purpose. Created in vivid Rose Tyrien ostrich leather and finished with cool palladium hardware, it embodies both refinement and individuality. The tonal leather interior reveals two partitioned compartments, each with a slip pocket, which is a practical layout for everyday essentials.
Its hallmark sliding strap allows the bag to be worn neatly at the hip or draped over the shoulder, while the clever flap closure is secured by Hermès’ signature H clasp – a piece of functional design that opens via a discreet spring mechanism. Measuring 18 x 15 x 6 cm, the Mini Constance blends utility with timeless style.
Since Hermès resumed regular production of ostrich leather Constance bags in 2018, the 18cm size has become more attainable, yet its value remains remarkably stable. At auction, similar pieces routinely achieve between $17,000 and $19,000, reaffirming the desirability of both the Constance silhouette and the allure of ostrich leather. For collectors, it represents an investment in style that transcends trends.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
A curated blend of sporty aesthetics and sophisticated functionality, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Reference 42040/423A embodies the spirit of refined travel.
Made in stainless steel with a 37mm case, this 2011 automatic Vacheron Constantin Overseas exudes a subtle elegance that is hard to resist. Its deep blue dial, accented with clean stick numerals and a discreet date complication, pairs nicely with a stainless steel bracelet secured by a double-fold clasp, delivering both resilience and day-long comfort.
Part of the Overseas collection, the design blends versatility with robust construction, retaining the nautical heritage that has defined the line since its inception. Ergonomic proportions, a self-winding movement, generous power reserve, and protection against magnetic disturbances affirm its practicality and technical advancement.
Faithful to the Maison’s philosophy of worldly elegance, inherited from François Constantin, this timepiece speaks to both heritage and purpose. Priced at $17,500, it remains a sought-after choice for collectors, reflecting more than two centuries of Vacheron Constantin’s mastery in horological innovation and the art of creating watches that endure in style and substance.
Final Note
Sotheby’s Salon on New Bond Street is an interactive space serving as a cross-category luxury destination for exclusive brands and coveted products of remarkable provenance. The London headquarters includes Sotheby's Restaurant and The Story Café, operating as a social hub for enthusiasts and art lovers alike, where collectors and visitors gather, dine and indulge in their passions for all things luxury, in true Sotheby’s spirit.
