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With its Mediterranean climate, sun-drenched beaches, and tile roofs atop charming hillside homes, Santa Barbara has earned the moniker “American Riviera.” The peaceful community, just over an hour or so north of Los Angeles and home to approximately 90,000 permanent residents, is embraced by the Pacific Ocean on the south and Santa Ynez Mountains on the north.
From record-breaking Birkins to playful Chanel collectibles, the handbag market has never been more exciting, writes Mandi Keighran Hermès Beton Matte Alligator, Blanc Togo, Bleu Brume Chèvre and White, Orange H and Craie Swift, Blanc Sombrero Neige Faubourg Birkin 20 Sellier Palladium Hardware, 2022. Photograph: Sotheby’s In July 2025, a slightly battered black leather bag—complete with the original owner’s nail clippers hanging from the strap—sold at Sotheby’s Paris for US$10.1m. The bag was the original Hermès Birkin, the prototype of the now-iconic style, crafted for actress Jane Birkin in 1984 after a chance encounter with Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight. Bidding opened at €1m (US$1.15m) and nine collectors fought over it in a 10-minute bidding war that proved, without a doubt, that the handbag market is one to be taken seriously. “The first auctions with handbags started around 2008 to 2010, and since then the market has expanded significantly,” says Gabrielle Hollenbeck, an associate specialist in handbags at Sotheby’s. “With social media, and knowledge and awareness of brands like Hermès and Chanel, it has really grown.” Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mike Daines/Shutterstock (255529e) Jane Birkin at her mother’s house in London, UK VARIOUS – 1996 " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock.jpg" alt="Jane Birkin with her original Hermes Birkin in her home" class="wp-image-346335" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock.jpg 2500w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-300x240.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-768x614.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-1536x1228.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-2048x1638.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Handbags_Jane-Birkin_Copyright-Mike-Daines_Shutterstock-1200x960.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" Jane Birkin with her original Hermès Birkin. Photograph: Copyright Mike Daines_Shutterstock Today, around 90 per cent of Sotheby’s handbag sales are Hermès, with styles such as the Birkin and Kelly proving most popular. Current tastes lean towards smaller sizes, such as the Mini Kelly or the Birkin 25, plus limited-edition pieces. Among the most coveted are the Birkin 20 bags in exotic skins and Faubourg Birkins: exquisite miniatures of the brand’s flagship store in Paris, complete with tiny windows and awnings, which routinely fetch upward of US$150,000. “The Faubourg Birkins are very playful—like small pieces of art,” says Hollenbeck. “It’s definitely a special-occasion bag.” While there may never be a sale that matches the record set by the original Birkin, there have been some notable pieces on the market in recent years. One of the ultimate “it” bags is the Hermès Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30, which is crafted from Niloticus crocodile skin and features diamond-encrusted 18-karat white-gold hardware. In 2022, Sotheby’s sold one in a private sale for US$450,000. Chanel’s Casino Monaco Slot Machine Minaudière, 2023, and Pink, Clear and Blue Resin Coco Beach Ball Minaudière, 2019. Photographs: Sotheby’s Chanel also commands attention at auction, particularly the highly embellished minaudières (small decorative handbags). These whimsical designs, which take the form of anything from a Chanel No5 perfume bottle to a cupcake, can cost up to US$20,000 in store and tend to hold their value at auction. “They’re beautiful pieces—very rare and very collectible,” says Hollenbeck. As this market grows, the collector base is broadening. Hollenbeck has noticed growing numbers of male buyers drawn by the investment opportunity, which she compares to watches. “They retain their value over time, and you might not be able to access many of the rarer pieces easily in store,” she explains. Younger collectors gravitate towards trendier, smaller styles, while more established buyers seek out larger sizes and exotic skins. Vintage Hermès, which is defined as anything pre-2000, is an underrated entry point, says Hollenbeck. “These bags have stood the test of time and they’re still beautiful luxury leather pieces.” A selection of ‘buy now’ luxury handbags on view at Sotheby’s Salon. Photograph: Stefan Ruiz For many, luxury handbags are investments and objects of art rather than accessories for everyday use—and to retain their value, Hollenbeck’s advice is to think of them as you would a sculpture. “You really have to treat it like a piece of art,” she says. Avoid direct sunlight, which can alter the color of sensitive leathers, and maintain a stable temperature. Bags should be kept stuffed with acid-free tissue to hold their shape and stored in their dust bags when not on show. Some collectors go further, housing prized pieces in glass or acrylic cases, which truly elevates them to the status of artwork. For those considering a first purchase, the secondary market—including Sotheby’s auctions and its digital Buy Now platform—offers something the boutique often cannot: choice. “We have a wide variety of bags in different shapes, styles and colors,” Hollenbeck says. “There’s no guarantee you will be able to buy the bag you want in store, but at auction, chances are you’re going to find something you like.” Our Collecting Focus series features expert advice on contemporary art, high jewelry, watches, wine, rare whisky, historic books, fashion history, natural history, Chinese art and antiques and Americana
Named for an ancient fictional warrior queen, this estate in the foothills of Montecito is a terrestrial paradise of nearly 16 acres with an Old World-inspired residence, guest quarters, garaging, equestrian facilities, a tennis court, orchards, gardens, and towering stalwart trees. With its ornate iron gates, iconic barrel-tiled roofline, stucco façade, warm earthy hues, tall timeless shutters, breezy balconies, and gracefully arching doorways, the handsome home known as Villa Calafia could easily be mistaken for a regal retreat in the Mediterranean countryside. These quintessentially Old World aesthetics, though, belie the fact that it is the centerpiece of a nearly 16-acre estate in the foothills of Montecito with a distinctly American pedigree. Carpinteria, California | Jason Siemens | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage Dubbed Villa Calafia when it was constructed in the 1930s, the main residence blends enduring vintage flair—coffered ceilings, distinctive fireplaces, richly hued hardwood and terra-cotta-tile floors—with modern minimalism and contemporary comforts and conveniences. Highlights include a chic living room; a solarium wrapped in nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors; a cook’s kitchen with abundant counter and cabinet space and stainless-steel appliances; peaceful bedrooms accompanied by baths that retain period accents and surfaces of striking green marble; a placid panoramic “pentroom”; a tiered stone terrace with an impossibly verdant outlook; and a rooftop deck that gazes toward not the Mediterranean but the Pacific. Sharing the acreage are guesthouses, a freestanding garage and carport, equestrian facilities with bygone-era details, a tennis court, and orchards. The “serenity house” is an airy Japanese-inspired spa-like oasis that encourages rest and relaxation in open spaces surrounded by calming natural materials. Towering oak and pine trees stand stalwart over lush lawn, subtly meticulous landscaping, gardens accented with statuary, and meandering brick paths. Villa Calafia has a distinguished provenance, designed as it was by the illustrious architect Gordon Kaufmann. Recognized for his work in the Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco styles, he lent his talents to such area landmarks as Scripps College, La Quinta Resort & Club, Greystone Mansion, the Hoover Dam, and the Los Angeles Times Building. But the estate’s historic significance extends further back than its early-20th-century origins. It takes its moniker from Calafia, the queen of a fictional island depicted by 15th-century poet Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo and the namesake of the state of California. The subject of many a sculpture, painting, story, and film, the regal warrior queen is widely known to symbolize a “terrestrial paradise,” making the attribution of her title to this idyllic generational estate perfectly apropos. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Architectural flourishes and statement design ensure a sense of occasion every time you arrive home, writes Nancy Groves Sarasota, Florida | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty As the glitter settles for another year on the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, it seems fitting to take a tour of some truly Oscar-worthy hallways around the world. Most actors will have dreamed of one day sweeping through a grand doorway or down a spiral staircase, clutching that golden statuette in a longed-for moment of adulation and celebration. But making an entrance isn’t reserved for the good folk of Hollywood. Every homeowner wants a hallway fit for their identity and lifestyle, one that impresses visitors, welcomes in guests, and is both impactful and a suitable introduction to the rest of the residence. And when it comes to high-end luxury homes, this becomes all the more important. “A luxury property’s entrance sets the tone for the entire home,” says Shauna Walters, global real estate advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage. “It’s the first moment of arrival and the first impression for guests, so it needs to immediately convey scale, design intention and atmosphere.” Hollywood Hills, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Nowhere is that intent more evident than in the opening vestibule of this midcentury-inspired contemporary build in the Hollywood Hills, where dimensions, decor and custom fittings by the Italian lighting brand Vesta combine in an aesthetic that should appeal to those behind or in front of a camera. “The entrance hallway was designed as a true architectural moment.” says Walters of this dynamic design scheme. “The bespoke lighting and dramatic chandelier draw the eye upward and highlight the volume of the space, while the fountains introduce movement and a calming sound that adds a resort-like sense of luxury.” These sensory and sculptural elements are echoed throughout the entire nine-bedroom, 14-bathroom home, offering continuity. “What makes the experience even more powerful is that the hallway naturally leads your eye toward the expansive views beyond,” Walters says. “As you walk through the entry, the home slowly reveals itself, creating a sense of drama and progression that sets the stage for the rest of the property.” Sarasota, Florida | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty There is a similarly pleasing progression to the entrance of this coastal Florida estate, part of the gated community of Cocoanut Bayou in Sarasota. A twin Italianate exterior staircase leads the visitor up from the grounds to heavy-duty wooden double doors, which open into a 12-foot-high foyer, framed by a curved ironwork banister: perfect for an award-winning descent. Step from this hallway through to the huge central living room, meanwhile, and the ceiling height doubles to 24 feet, while hardwood flooring and a decorative balcony on the terrace beyond create a continuous sightline from the front doors right through to the waterfront. Corfu, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty In a secluded stretch of Greece, the statement made by another twin staircase and gallery landing is deployed in a hallway that ties these elements together playfully. For those inspired by storytelling—and what else is the movie business?—the entrance to The Grand Estate in Kassiopi, Corfu, engages your curiosity and imagination immediately. The simple trinity of flagstone, woodwork and white walls becomes a canvas for decorative rugs, painted panels, books, pots, clocks and other treasured items. And through a trio of windows and door: green foliage and the beautiful blue waters of the Ionian sea. As Shauna Walters says of good hallway design: “Done well, an entry creates a transition from the outside world into a private sanctuary while building anticipation for what’s beyond.” Belgravia, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Finally, in London, famously home to its fair share of Oscar winners, staircases don’t get much more sweeping than the central flight of this Belgravia duplex, proving that grand entrances aren’t reserved for standalone homes, but also serve stylish apartment living. Combining architectural detail with contemporary flair, this hallway’s monochrome scheme exudes drama, with dark banisters echoing the marble and decorative grate at floor level. What’s more, while the entrance to the apartment is private and discreet, via a landscaped garden, the building is portered, offering the best of both worlds. Everyone’s a winner. As decorative metalwork grows in popularity, here’s why it’s never gone out of fashion
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