A blue crocodile Hermes Birkin handbag has become the most expensive handbag sold in Europe after fetching an eye-watering £125,000 at a top auction house. The bag – embellished with white gold and 18-karat diamonds – was sold at the first dedicated handbag sale at Christie’s. Wealthy buyers, many from the emerging Asian market, flocked to the Mayfair, London, auction house today for the chance to get their hands on the 169 luxury lots. Bags from designers including Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton fetched upwards of £1,000, with many taking more than £20,000. Online bidders from all over the world also flashed the cash, with well-off fashionistas from Hong Kong, the US and Singapore placing bids. A team of more than 20 Christie’s employees, led by international head of handbags and accessories Matt Rubinger, handled phone bids in a number of languages in the lively auction room. Cheery and charming auctioneer Nick Martineau kept the crowd and those watching the online livestream entertained, making hilarious quips whilst persuading buyers to up their bids. Huge sales included a £55,000 crocodile So Black Birkin, a £50,000 blue crocodile Birkin and a £55,000 emerald crocodile Kelly, all by French fashion house Hermes. The auction is continuing. The Birkin bag is a personal accessory of luggage or a tote by Hermès that is handmade in leather and named after actress and singer Jane Birkin.