Even by the standards of the most extravagant luxury handbags, it caused a storm…
When London pensioner John Richard picked up a bag that caught his eye in a charity shop, he little imagined its spectacular value.
But his buy turned out to be a Philip Treacy original, potentially worth up to £350,000 and one of just ten thought to have been made.
Treacy is, of course, the famous Irish designer whose creations are regularly sported by the rich and famous, from Lady Gaga to Princess Beatrice. He was awarded an honorary OBE five years ago.
The bag, with is distinctive Elvis Presley design and lining by Andy Warhol, was found by Mr Richard, who’s 73, lying among others in a box in a Kingston charity shop.
At the Philip Treacy shop, staff confirmed that the bag was a genuine one of theirs.
Now Mr Richard says he has had a couple of handsome offers for his eye-catching purchase, and that one of two private buyers in China had said they would pay £350,000 for it. However, some experts have cast doubt on whether the item would really fetch such a large sum.
If the offer is genuine, and accepted, it would make it one of the most expensive bags in history.
However, of course you don’t have to spend anything like that much to grab a gorgeous design for the new season, whether you’re into clutches, cross-bodies or grab bags.
Look online for the best selection of latest releases at the best prices.