Popular Hong Kong actress and singer Kelly Chen is offering the world something rare, sacred, and highly coveted: Hermès bags. Kelly, the wife of businessman Alex Lau Kin Ho, has amassed an exquisite collection of luxury handbags, particularly from Hermès, for over two decades. These will be the highlight of Sotheby’s Handbags & Accessories online auction, taking place from September 23 to October 3, with a public exhibition at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong.
The mother of three, known for her exceptional taste, owns a variety of rare and limited-edition pieces, including a customized Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud Birkin and a Limited Edition Bronze Chevre Metallic Birkin 30. Among the highlights is the Black Box Clou Medor Rockstud HSS Birkin 35 from 2011, a made-to-order creation that tops the list as one of Chen’s most prized possessions. Dubbed the “Diva of Asia,” Chen will offer a stunning selection of 10 Hermès bags, including the HSS Medor Rockstud Birkin 30, a unique piece made specifically for her.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for bag enthusiasts to acquire items like the White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 with Palladium Hardware, estimated to fetch between 600,000 to 1,000,000 HKD ($77,000 – $128,000). Another standout piece, the Malachite Clemence Birkin 30 with Gold Hardware, could potentially fetch at least $255,000. Each handbag will include an exclusive card with a handwritten message and signature from Kelly Chen.
“My love for Hermès bags began more than two decades ago. I vividly recall purchasing a Graphite Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30, which quickly became a wardrobe staple. I started my collection with timeless classics in black, grey, and tan before venturing into more daring palettes like the Metallic Kellys. I’m always fascinated by how handbags encapsulate the spirit of an era, pioneering fashion trends and lifestyles that endure to this day,” said Chen.
Who is Kelly Chen?
Cantopop queen Kelly Chen is one of the best-selling artists in Asia, with more than 38 albums and nearly 20 million records sold. Yet, it is her Hermès collection that has captivated fans worldwide. This is not the first time her bags have taken center stage. She previously showcased 13 pieces from her collection at the V&A exhibition in Hong Kong. Each of her handbags marks a milestone in her life, from her first designer piece—a Chanel bag gifted by her parents for graduation, to the Limited Edition Bronze Chèvre Metallic Birkin 30 Gold Hardware she bought for herself as a celebration of becoming a wife.
The woman behind this enviable collection is also deeply committed to philanthropy. She established the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund in 2002, supporting students from low-income families with financial assistance. Even then, she raised funds by organizing a second-hand charity sale featuring items from renowned brands like Gucci x Adidas, Chanel, Prada, and Valentino. If anyone can teach the world about the seamless blend of philanthropy and fashion, it is Kelly Chen.
