Kelly Brook has revealed that she recently sold her Hermès Birkin handbag for a significant profit, citing concerns over personal safety and rising crime in London as a key reason behind the decision.
The model and broadcaster, 46, told Daily Mail columnist Richard Eden that she made nearly five times the original purchase price when she sold the luxury bag, widely regarded as one of the most exclusive fashion status symbols in the world.
“I just sold my Birkin not that long ago for about five times what I bought it for,” Kelly said. “It was a beautiful bag. I’ve had it, I used it, and I enjoyed it.”
Fear of Being Targeted
Despite the financial gain, Kelly explained that safety concerns ultimately influenced her decision to part with the designer accessory.
“I’m very mindful that I live in London, and I don’t want to be targeted for my bags—because people are,” she said. “I’m very careful about very expensive designer things and jewellery. I don’t really purchase things like that anymore, or even have things like that.”
Hermès Birkin bags typically retail from £10,000 and can rise into the hundreds of thousands, depending on material, rarity, and condition.
Crime Concerns in Affluent Areas
Kelly’s comments come amid growing awareness of theft and burglary in some of London’s most affluent districts. Recent crime data has shown that areas such as Mayfair, Soho, Regent Street, Oxford Street, and New Bond Street have reported hundreds of break-ins and robberies over the past year, including incidents involving high-value personal items.
Luxury watches, jewellery, and designer accessories have increasingly become targets for organised theft.
Not the First ‘Investment’ Bag
This is not the first time Kelly has spoken about selling a high-end handbag at a profit. In 2023, she revealed on her Heart Radio show that a designer bag she bought in her younger years had quadrupled in value when she sold it more than a decade later.
“At the time, I was much more into designer labels,” she said. “It turned out to be a really good investment.”
Luxury Items Under Scrutiny
Kelly’s decision reflects a broader shift among public figures who are choosing discretion over display, particularly as high-profile thefts involving celebrities and luxury goods continue to make headlines.
While designer handbags like the Birkin remain coveted investment pieces, Kelly Brook’s experience highlights how concerns over personal safety are now shaping fashion choices—even among those who can afford the most exclusive items.
