At the trial, in addition to assets such as savings books and diamond jewelry, defendant Truong My Lan requested the return of two albino Hermes bags gifted to her by a Malaysian billionaire.
This morning (September 27), the trial of defendant Truong My Lan and her accomplices continued with the examination and clarification of evidence, property, and belongings confiscated from the defendants, as well as the property rights of involved parties.
Defendant Truong My Lan stated that during the second phase of the trial, she had many valuables and assets confiscated but could not recall the specifics. However, she remembered the two albino Hermes bags gifted to her by a Malaysian billionaire. Ms. Lan expressed her desire to retrieve these bags as they held sentimental value, and she wanted to pass them down to her children and grandchildren.
The albino Hermes, officially known as the Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin (made from albino crocodile skin), is one of the brand’s most controversial lines. It is touted as an extremely rare and “most coveted” collection, unattainable for many.
First, the price of these bags can reach up to 300,000 USD (over 7 billion VND). The most expensive version features an 18-carat white gold frame, a zipper pull with 40 white diamonds totaling 1.64 carats, and 68.4 grams of 18-carat white gold.
Second, the bags are made from the skin of albino crocodiles, an extremely rare species. According to a JaneFinds representative, the world’s largest Hermès bag retailer, “In 2014, there were only 50 albino American crocodiles in the entire US. The skin of each crocodile can only produce two bags.”
Third, each bag comes with insurance. One such bag was sold for 432,000 USD (equivalent to 9.8 billion VND). And finally, Hermes produces only 1-2 bags of this type annually, causing even international stars and celebrities to wait in line for years to get their hands on one.
With these four reasons, it’s no wonder that the Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin has become a highly sought-after item for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Globally, very few celebrities own the Hermes Himalayan. Only a select few, like Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, have both the wealth and fame to afford one.
One of the most prized Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin bags is owned by Jamie Chua, a Singaporean socialite known for having the world’s largest collection of Hermes bags.
In reality, the mention of Hermès Birkin evokes a sense of luxury and wealth. Birkin is the name given to high-end accessories exclusively owned by the upper class, those with mountains of wealth. This prestigious accessory line was introduced in 1922, inspired by the wife of Émile-Maurice Hermès, the brand’s then-manager, who couldn’t find a suitable handbag for herself. Out of love for his wife, he designed a gift for his life partner, and this became the first item in their handbag collection.
There are various types of Birkin bags. The standard version costs a few hundred million VND, while those made from crocodile or ostrich leather can reach up to billions of VND. However, the pinnacle of luxury is the Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin, dubbed “the world’s most expensive handbag.” Its price starts at a staggering 2.5 billion VND. Very few people worldwide own this bag, and they must have substantial financial resources.
Despite the high price tag, money alone cannot buy you a Birkin. You must be a VIP customer of Hermes and place an order at least three months to a year in advance to get your hands on one of these exclusive bags.
