Mention the Hermès Birkin bag to any fashionista and they are likely to give you a passionate account of one they have been lusting after for years.
After all, most stylish individuals dream of having one (or two) in their collection as there is no other bag that has such notoriety or prestige surrounding it.
From the history of the design to the benefits of buying a pre-owned Birkin bag, read on to learn everything you need to know about the timeless elegance of the Hermès Birkin.
1. Birkin bags are named after French actress Jane Birkin
In 1981, Jean-Louis Dumas, the then-CEO of Hermès, sat next to British-born, Paris-based one of the best in top 10 actresses and style icon Jane Birkin on an Air France flight.
When Dumas saw all of Birkin's possessions fall out of her handbag, he realized that she needed to have a bag with pockets. Birkin responded that as soon as Hermès produced a large bag suitable for women to carry on a daily basis, she would replace her signature basket bag.
The two of them began sketching her ideal design on the back on an airplane sick bag during the flight. The resulting handbag, the Birkin, debuted to the world in 1984.
To this day, Jane Birkin continues to wear Birkin bags. She famously only owns five of her namesake handbags and often defaces them with stickers, pins, beads, and other accessories to ensure they are uniquely her own. Wearing them one at a time, she treats them with love and care until she is ready to retire them and start styling the next.
2. It wasn't until the 1990s that the Birkin became incredibly popular
Even though Jane Birkin started wearing the bag right away, it wasn't until the 1990s that the Birkin bag took off. This decade was the height of the "It Bag" craze, and many celebrities were spotted (and photographed) wearing this style.
For example, the incredibly stylish Victoria Beckham is said to have more than 100 Birkins in her collection, while other celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Jamie Chua have even more.
Kate Moss often used her Birkin bag as a diaper bag while Kim Kardashian allowed her daughter to finger paint all over one of hers. In other words, these bags are made to be customizable and are versatile enough to adapt to any woman's lifestyle.
3. Birkin bags have a very long waiting list
As one of the most iconic bags in the world, Hermès Birkin bags often have a very long waiting list, with some styles being reserved for up to six years!
This makes it challenging for most women to purchase one of these handbags as it isn't as simple as walking into a Hermès store, choosing one, and walking out with your new purchase.
Each bag is crafted by a single artisan, which explains why it takes around 48 hours of work to produce a single Birkin bag. This ensures that the circulation of these bags is kept low (approximately 200,000) and that customers must be patient if they want to purchase the style they desire.
4. Birkin bags are a substantial (but safe) investment
There is no denying that a Birkin bag is a significant purchase with the lowest price being $8,500 for a leather Birkin with basic hardware and the upper-tier exceeding $150,000.
In fact, the most expensive Birkin bag ever sold was a matte crocodile Birkin with diamond hardware that sold in 2017 for just under $400,000.
Despite their price, many Birkin bags are shown to be a better investment than the S&P 500 index and the price of gold as they average a 14.2% annual return.
4. The name of a Birkin tells you a lot about it
Each Birkin bag is given a name based on its size, color, and texture. For example, an Hermés 30 Birkin Bag Anemone with Gold Hardware refers to a Birkin with a length of 30 centimeters, crafted using the brand's signature Epsom leather, in the color anemone with gold hardware.
Birkin bags come in 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50cm sizes with 30cm and 35cm being the most popular. While the Birkin 25 is small, it can still fit a lot inside it; however, it can only be carried by hand as the handle is too small to fit over an elbow.
When comparing the Birkin and the Kelly (another very popular Hermès handbag style), the main difference is that the Kelly has one handle and a shoulder strap, while the Birkin has two handles and no shoulder strap. Additionally, each of the bag styles has its own signature closure system.
5. Second-hand Birkin bags are an excellent option
Due to the challenges of purchasing a Birkin bag directly from Hermes, many shoppers prefer to buy pre-loved ones only from certified pre-owned luxury goods stores. Unlike many styles of bags, Hermès Birkins often retail for more money on the resale market due to their high investment value.
As Birkins are often made in limited edition colors and skins, opting to purchase pre-owned provides you with a wider array of choices and an opportunity to obtain a bag that is no longer in production.
When considering purchasing a pre-owned Birkin bag, make sure you are browsing options from the best designer consignment online.
By purchasing through a reputable company, you can be assured that the Birkin bags you see have undergone a professional authentication process. This is crucial in ensuring that you get a top-quality item.
In many cases, these bags will look almost brand new and come with a full set of accessories, including the dust bag, box, rain cover, key, and clochette. If you have any questions about the quality of a particular pre-loved Hermès Birkin bag, reach out to the store to get more information.
Owning a Birkin is a big deal for all fashionistas, so you want to ensure your purchasing experience is second-to-none.
Are you the proud owner of a Birkin bag? Do you have your eyes on one to purchase in the future? What do you think is so special about this handbag style?
Let us know your thoughts and wishlist items in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Sabrina Sadiq is the CEO of LuxuryPromise.com, the ultimate marketplace for the world’s most exclusive, rare and luxurious accessories, incorporating cutting edge technology to redefine the luxury shopping experience. She is considered one of the leading experts in luxury goods authentication. Previously, Sabrina founded Real Estate investment company, specialising in residential and commercial portfolio acquisition. Sabrina holds the LLB from the University of Westminster and the LPC from the London College of Law.