Following the record-breaking €8.6 million ($10.1 million) sale of Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag in Paris, Sotheby’s is heading to Abu Dhabi with Carry Me, a new handbag festival dedicated to the culture of collecting.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Carry Me is taking place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island on Thursday, September 25th, marking the start of a global series set to land in luxury destinations such as St. Moritz and Palm Beach. The unique event is designed to bring together collectors, experts, and handbag enthusiasts in a celebration of what is being called the ‘ultra handbag event’.

Led by Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, the festival blends education, creativity, and community. Highlights include Bags Unpacked: The It-Bag Through Time, an exploration of iconic bags and their cultural resonance; Table Talks with international specialists; and a hands-on Collector’s Craft masterclass. A curated selection of rare handbags will also be available for purchase.

Beyond commerce, the festival emphasises the joy of community. Themes such as Share, Educate, Create, and Access structure the day, offering opportunities for participants to tell stories and personalise accessories.

“The Original Birkin sale has propelled the ultra handbag into the global spotlight,” says Morgane. “With Carry Me, we are offering a joyful, engaging, and expert-led experience for a cosmopolitan community of collectors and admirers.”

Tickets are limited and available via sothebys.com/carryme