Gucci Handbags Disappoint At Auction as Luxury Fervour Cools

An public sale of uncommon Gucci purses disenchanted at Christie’s, an indication that strong demand for high-end purses is softening.

Two Gucci Bamboo baggage failed to satisfy the low pre-sale estimate at an internet public sale held by Christie’s that ended Tuesday, whereas a 3rd simply reached the low estimate, in line with preliminary outcomes.

The most expensive purse on the sale, which additionally included Hermes baggage, was a black leather-based Bamboo with a yellow gold deal with and a diamond-encrusted closure. It was seen fetching between €150,000 and €200,000 previous to the public sale, however bought for €138,600 ($150,423) together with purchaser’s charges.

Gucci partnered with Christie’s to promote the three baggage, with the proceeds to go to Save Venice, a charity which seeks “to protect the creative heritage” of the Italian metropolis. Christie’s is owned by the billionaire Pinault household’s funding firm, Artemis, which in flip holds a controlling stake in Gucci mother or father Kering SA.

Three lower-priced Gucci baggage on the public sale whose proceeds weren’t going to charity did higher, surpassing estimates.

Some well-heeled shoppers are reining in luxurious purchases after a interval of feverish demand throughout and popping out of the pandemic. A document value for a purse at public sale was reached two years in the past at Christie’s for a uncommon Himalaya Kelly, which bought for HK$4 million ($512,000).

Extra broadly, Gucci gross sales have lagged behind its principal luxurious friends for the previous few years, prompting Kering executives to start a reset on the group’s largest label. Gucci named a brand new designer, Sabato de Sarno, who unveiled his first assortment in September in Milan.

The Gucci public sale at Christie’s was an try and “persuade shoppers Gucci’s worth endures and isn’t transient and depending on at this time’s style,” Bernstein analyst Luca Solca advised Bloomberg. “Auctions have turn out to be a tried and examined device to boost model picture.”

By Angelina Rascouet

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