Forget the stockmarket, and don’t hedge your bets on gold either because according to recent surveys Hermès Birkins have outperformed both in returns. Last year, a matte Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 with 18k White Gold & Diamond Hardware went for £236,750, breaking the record books. This year Christie’s is expecting high international demand at its King Street HQ, with some highly sought after bags including the Hermès Himalaya Birkin 25 with palladium hardware (estimate: £60,000-80,000) and 30 (estimate: £60,000-80,000) , as well as an exceptional diamond Kelly 35 (estimate: £70,000-90,000) and diamond Birkin 30 (estimate: £50,000-70,000).

Also included in the auction is the personal collection of Jacquelyn Miller Matisse, with proceeds being used to benefit Société Française du Cancer, The National Foundation for Autism Research, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, and The Art Institute of Chicago – all lots from this collection will be offered without reserve.

Further leading lots of the sale include limited-edition and rare varieties of handbag from designers such as Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, such as a bleu de prusse togo, swift & clémence leather ”Endless Road” Hac Hermès Birkin 50 with palladium hardware (estimate: £25,000-30,000), alongside a bleu du nord swift leather & osier Mini Picnic Kelly 20 with palladium hardware (estimate: £20,000-30,000). For collectors of Louis Vuitton, a limited edition Prism Keepal 50 by Virgil Abloh (estimate: £1,5000-2,000) will be offered, along with a canvas aluminium bound trunk, circa 1896, (estimate: £6,000-8,000) and a set of monogram canvas iconoclast boxing gloves, mat & case by Karl Lagerfeld (estimate: £3,000-5,000).