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This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows a vintage Chanel bag in gold quilted lambskin that sold for $1,375 in July 2012. The status handbag market is driven by celebrity trendsetters and now some big auction houses are getting in on the act Heritage Auctions, Associated Press
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This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows a red crocodile Hermes Diamond Birkin handbag that sold for $203,150 in 2011, setting a world auction handbag record, previously held by a black crocodile Birkin sold at Christie's in 2009 for $82,100 Heritage Auctions, Associated Press
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This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows a Louis Vuitton art-deco style navy blue lucite and leather evening bag with a lucite handle and pop-open closure that sold for $325 in May 2012. The status handbag market is driven by celebrity trend Heritage Auctions, Associated Press
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FILE - In this June 21, 2005 file photo Katie Holmes sports a Hermes handbag as she and Tom Cruise pose for photographers in Madrid shortly after announcing their engagement. The status handbag market is driven by celebrity trendsetters such as Holmes and Bernat Armangue, File, Associated Press
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This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows a vintage Chanel bag in peach quilted leather that sold for $1,188 on Aug. 7, 2012. The status handbag market is driven by celebrity trendsetters and now some big auction houses are getting in on the Heritage Auctions, Associated Press
By Associated Press

NEW YORK — Hermes (ur-MEHZ'), Chanel, Louis Vuitton (Loo-EE' Vu-TAHN'). What woman wouldn't covet a handbag by one of these iconic fashion houses?

The status handbag market is driven by celebrity trendsetters such as Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham. Now some big auction houses are getting in on the act. They say it's a new and growing category that's attracting sellers and buyers from around the world.

Heritage Auctions says there's been an incredible interest from the average consumer in the last five years. Heritage offers signature auctions, private sales and weekly online auctions where pieces generally sell for $500 to $2,500.

In 2011, Heritage sold a red crocodile Hermes Birkin bag for $203,150. It set a world auction handbag record, previously held by a black crocodile Birkin sold at Christie's in 2009 for $82,100.

Online: Heritage Auctions: www.ha.com

Christie's: www.christies.com

Bonhams: www.bonhams.com

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