Hermes Extremely Rare 25cm Matte White Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. Photo Heritage Auctions

NEW YORK — Two Hermès handbags, both bearing the design house's coveted "Himalayan" moniker, but crafted three decades apart and in completely different styles, offer sophisticated bookends to Heritage Auctions' April 28 Luxury Accessories Signature Auction, an event that will be one of the most important of the season.

"Hermès is known for its whimsical spirit in the atelier," said Matt Rubinger, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage Auctions. "The essence of that fancy is embodied perfectly in these two bags, so unlike one another, but also both so quintessentially and undeniably Hermès"

The 43cm Vert Emerald Alligator, Rouge Vif Ostrich, Violet Veau Doblis & Black Calf Box Leather Sac Himalaya, handmade in 1982 — of the finest materials in vivid hues, including a large panel of bright red ostrich and the iconic Kelly belt closure in emerald green alligator — is one of the rarest pieces in existence by the important luxury house. 

Hermes Extremely Rare Shiny Vert Emerald Alligator, Rouge Vif Ostrich, Violet Veau Doblis Suede & Black Calf Box Leather Sac Himalaya Bag with Gold Hardware. Photo Heritage Auctions

Excellent Condition. 14" Width x 17" Height x 6" Depth.  Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000.

This wonderful Himalaya bag is an amazing combination of four skins-Rouge Vif Ostrich, Vert Foncé Alligator, Violet Veau Doblis Suede and Black Calf Box Leather. This bag is rarely seen, almost mythical, highly prized, and immediately identifiable as a special piece from Hermès. A late eighties era creation from the Hermès ateliers, and rightly famous for its exotic appearance, complex construction, and mix of materials. The summit of true Hermès style. This example is colorful and vibrant. The famous "Kelly" style gold plated closure adorns the front of the bag. It features two interior compartments, one with zipper, the other a button closure. Even as a highly collectable piece, this bag is supremely easy to carry as a tote for daily wear.

This bag is in Very Good to Excellent Condition. There are a few light scuff marks to the leather, one smudge mark on the rear exterior alligator, and some light overall wear to the suede. The interior shows very light wear. This bag comes with an Hermes distbag.

Although from an entirely different era, but bearing almost the exact same name, the Hermès 25cm White Himalayan Crocodile Birkin provides an interesting juxtaposition to its auction counterpart. Its delicate gradient coloring is inspired by the snowy mountaintops of the world's tallest mountain range; this Birkin is one of the most difficult bags to produce due to the delicate nature of the tanning process. Especially in this special "Mini" size, this rare piece has reached cult-status of covetability. 

Hermes Extremely Rare 25cm Matte White Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware. Photo Heritage Auctions

Pristine Condition; 9.5" Width x 8" Height x 5" Depth. Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000

Among the rarest Hermes bags in existence, the Himalayan is a true collector's piece. Extremely hard to find, this bag will take your collection to a whole new level, and this opportunity may never come up again. The exterior is white Himalayan Nilo Crocodile, beautiful in its natural state. It has two rolled top handles, palladium hardware, keys, clochette, and a matching crocodile covered lock. The interior is Gris Tourterelle Chevre leather, which matches the natural tones of the crocodile so well. The interior features one slip pocket and one zip pocket.

This bag is in Pristine Condition. It is like-new with the original plastic on the hardware. This bag comes with CITES paperwork, Hermes card and envelope, dustbag, box, and small dustbag for its lock, keys, and clochette.

"These two amazing bags, created more than three decades apart, are for Hermès collectors of very different appetites," said Rubinger. "The Himalayan Birkin is for the Birkin aficionado, while the Sac Himalaya — like the Yin to the Birkin's Yang — is for the deep Hermès collector with a flair for the unusual. However you look at it, these two Hermès bags represent two of the most important, most valuable bags on the market."

Whether inspired by the playful Hermès sentiment or the serious Hermès flourish, this auction is curated top to bottom for collectors of every disposition. Featuring examples of the finest and most collectible designer bags in the world, many with the potential to break world price records, the auction has already drawn attention from the highest level consignors and is creating buzz with buyers worldwide. 

Previews of this auction are scheduled for both Dallas, April 11-12, and for Beverly Hills, April 17-19. 

The auction will not only feature special Hermès pieces at every price point, from bags that start at $1 to well in excess of $80,000, but will also highlight important and well-valued current and vintage Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Judith Leiber, Gucci, Dior and more.

Further highlights include:

Hermes Shiny Kiwi Porosus Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch Bag with Palladium Hardware. Photo Heritage Auctions

Pristine Condition; 12" Length x 5" Height x 1" Depth. Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

The ultimate clutch done by the ultimate luxury brand, this Hermes Kiwi Porosus Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch Bag is the perfect combination of sophistication and fun. Featuring the iconic Kelly hardware, this bag is unmistakably Hermes. The fun color in luxurious crocodile skin is a fun update to a classic style. Thanks to the short top handle, this bag can be carried both as a clutch or a top handle bag. The interior of the bag is done in Kiwi Chevre leather and has one slip pocket.

This bag is in Pristine Condition The original plastic is still on the Palladium hardware. Comes with Hermes dustbag, care card, ribbon, and box.

Hermes 26cm Iris Swift Leather Toolbox Bag with Palladium Hardware. Photo Heritage Auctions

Excellent to Pristine Condition; 10.25" Width x 11.5" Height x 7" Depth. Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000.

The Toolbox is a great casual everyday bag, and this one in particular is in a stunning color. Iris Swift leather exterior with a matching canvas detachable shoulder strap and two top handles. Palladium hardware, lock, keys, and clochette, along with a turnlock closure. Sides fold in for a sleeker look or expand out for a roomier interior. Interior is matching Iris Swift leather and features three slip pockets.

In Excellent to Pristine Condition. This bag has the original protective plastic on all the hardware, but shows a little very light wear to the top rear exterior. Hermes rain protector, care card, and dustbag included. 

Chanel Metallic Pewter Quilted Antiqued Leather Medium Double Flap Bag with Silver Hardware

Chanel Intricate Gold Logo Thick Cuff Bracelet