There is an unspoken rule in upper class society: you are not really rich until you have a Birkin bag. Often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of handbags, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner are several high-profile collectors, and Beck is rumored to Ham has more than 100 handbags. Drake even revealed in a 2017 interview that he had been collecting Birkin bags for years as gifts for "the woman I ended up marrying."
There are different versions of the origin story, but it goes something like this: In the early 1980s, British-born actress Jane Birkin allegedly spilled the contents of her bag while flying. She found herself sitting next to Jean-Louise Dumas, then-executive chairman of Hermès. The actress, who rose to fame a decade ago and is known for her chic yet earthy style, told Dumas about the accident and the two began discussing her ideal bag.
Since Birkin carried her signature oversized wicker basket bag, Dumas recommended some bags with pockets. The story goes that she told him that the perfect bag would be larger than the brand's Kelly bag, made famous by Grace Kelly. The two eventually collaborated on a sketch of the bag – and just like that, the Birkin bag was born. They designed wallets with a chiseled silhouette, a roomy interior and two rolled handles. Years later, it has now become one of the most coveted bags in the fashion industry.
Hermès first launched its handbag in 1984, but it didn't become an instant hit until the late 1990s. SATC fans will remember the 2001 episode that followed Samantha's search for the elusive accessory. (She skipped a five-year waiting list by using actress Lucy Liu's name, but alas, the plan fell through.) The pop culture moment certainly helped cement the Birkin's status as the ultimate luxury handbag.
To learn more about this legendary handbag, I spoke with Landyn Tedrick, website sales specialist at Fashionphile, an online reseller with one of the world's most extensive collections of pre-owned Birkin bags. Ahead, everything you need to know.
How much does a Birkin bag cost?
New mini bags typically cost around $8,000, while bags in more exotic fabrics and designs can cost up to $30,000 (or more). Meanwhile, on the second-hand market, Tedrick told me: “The most common Birkin bag—a 30cm long black Togo leather with gold hardware—sells for $16,000 in very good to excellent condition. to $24,000. This may vary depending on wear, year of production, and availability of complete set (box, lock and key, etc.)."
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Why are Birkin bags so expensive?
“The Birkin bag is a status symbol of exclusivity, luxury and good taste,” said Tedrick. “The simplicity of its design and superior craftsmanship, combined with the difficulty of obtaining one directly from the designer, are what make a Holy Grail bag.”
Tedrick said, "All Birkin bags are handmade from start to finish by a single craftsman, and the entire process takes up to 40 hours to complete. The stitching on the Birkin bag cannot be replicated with a machine because it requires two needles to thread at the same time." across the same seam.”
The value of this package is directly related to its uniqueness and limited availability. "Hermès controls the number of Birkin bags produced at one time and limits the number of bags each customer can purchase. Some customers wait years to purchase a Birkin bag directly from Hermès, adding value to the famous handbag."
Which Birkin bag is the most popular?
“With the popularity of small and mini bags, the Birkin 25 is the most popular size,” says Tedrick. This is also the cheapest. That said, 30 is also very popular. “The Birkin 30 is also popular and is the most classic and common Birkin size. With mini and oversized bag trends continuing to grow in popularity, the Birkin 30 is a better investment because it doesn’t follow these ever-changing trends. "
How to buy a Birkin bag
Currently, if you want to go the second-hand route, trusted designer reseller Fashionphile offers over 150 Birkin bags. Rebag, Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal are also good options. Sotheby's also has a selection of new and vintage Birkin bags in excellent condition.
If you want a brand new Birkin bag, you must go to an Hermès boutique. Please contact the salesperson at your nearest location to find out if the bag you are looking for is in stock or will soon be in stock. Due to limited supply, there may be a wait depending on the style.
