Gucci has always been vigilant to crack down on counterfeiting and trademark infringement, but now they're taking a new angle on brand protection. This time, however, they aren't fighting the fight alone.

Legendary auction house Christie's is teaming up with the luxury brand to provide a "trusted venue for transactions of vintage Gucci items," according to Gucci's chief executive Patrizio di Marco who was quoted in a recent New York Times article. By the end of this year, Christie's will have a section on their website solely dedicated to helping appraisals of vintage Gucci goods.

The "Gucci Collector" section of the site will allow users to upload images of their items, which will then be evaluated and appraised by a bonafide Gucci archivist.

"I feel it is a noble, appropriate and modern way to provide access to original Gucci vintage products to a relevant and well-targeted audience," said Mr. di Marco.

[Source: NY Times]
[Image: Qiao-Da-Ye/Flickr]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

LK BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE GUCCI DRAWSTRING BAG BUY ME US $59.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 30m Make it yours...

Gucci Signature Bag and matching Wallet EX COND US $46.00   16 Bids Auction Ends: 33m Make it yours...

Vintage 100 Auth GUCCI Navy Speedy Satchel Dr Bag VGC US $150.00   Auction Ends: 52m Make it yours...

For a Christmas gift that just keeps on giving, snap up one of the rare Hermes bags for sale at the upcoming Christie's auctions.

If you're in Britain, head to the Jewels sale at South Kensington in London on December 9 to snag one of 23 very special Hermes bags. A brown Sac Malette purse, gilt with metalware and once owned by Charlie Chaplin's wife, is expected to fetch a tidy sum.

But it'll seem like a bargain next to this rare Haut a Courroies bag. This luxrious purse was first designed around 1900 to carry equestrian gear, but it quickly became a popular choice for travelers. Hermes produces no more than five crocodile bags of this size each year, so it's estimated to sell for £15,000-£18,000.

New Yorkers will have their chance to get their hands on a piece of Hermes history at Christie's Interiors sale on December 18 and 19. A timeless orange Kelly bag is the pick of this bunch, with an estimated sale price of $4000-$6000.

[Source: Luxist]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

HERMES Handbags French Advertising 1938 US $15.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 13h 52m Make it yours...

RARE Hermes Paddock Clochette Mirror Handbag Charm NR US $31.00   11 Bids Auction Ends: 16h 30m Make it yours...

SW Hermes Canvas and Leather Handbag US $365.00   5 Bids Auction Ends: 19h 54m Make it yours...