Vietnamese Businesswoman's Birkin Bags Fetch $440,000 in 30-Minute Auction

Two Hermès Birkin bags owned by Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan, seized by the government, sold for a staggering sum at a public auction. One bag alone fetched over $440,000 in just 30 minutes of bidding, according to BBC (22/5/2026). The luxury items were part of assets confiscated from Truong My Lan, a conglomerate currently serving a life sentence for bank embezzlement. The 25cm white Birkin, featuring rhinestone details on the clasp and edges, sold for $440,144. The 30cm model fetched $94,858. BBC reports the 25cm bag’s price was nearly seven times the starting bid. ‘It is one of the most sought-after bags in the world and this happened because Hermès restricts buyer access,’ said Parnell. He added that Birkins are now viewed not just as fashion accessories but as art and investment instruments. ‘These bags are valued and kept long-term,’ he noted. Parnell also mentioned that Birkin values are hard to predict due to Hermès’ limited editions and rare models. ‘In many ways, the price can be limitless,’ he added.