Rita Ora has recently joined the trend of wealthy individuals customizing and personalizing their expensive handbags.
While most Birkin lovers choose to bedazzle their expensive purses with diamonds and Swarovski crystals, those with more edgy personalities opt for more visually striking designs.
Rita Ora steps out in London wearing a bold patchwork coat paired with cuffed jeans, slip-on sneakers, and a graffiti-painted Birkin bag, embracing her signature eclectic style
Graffiti Meets Glam: A Closer Look at Rita’s Statement Bag
In August 2014, the animated British pop star was also spotted roaming the streets of London, toting her decorated Birkin, which matched her funky, multicolored coat.
Rita Ora sports a sleek, platinum blonde bob paired with classic Ray-Ban round sunglasses as she takes a call
Rita embraced a bold, street-chic look that mixed a variety of styles. Despite the outfit’s eclectic vibe, she pulled it off with ease, looking stylish and put together.
Rita Ora was spotted leaving The Grove Music Studios in London on August 13, 2014, showcasing her bold style with a graffiti-painted Birkin bag, patchwork coat, and edgy accessories (Credit: WENN)
Not Everyone’s a Fan of Customizing Luxury
We adore Birkins, but painting over one is a bold move—customizing such an expensive, meticulously handcrafted piece can feel like overlooking the artistry and effort that went into it. Not to mention, it may significantly reduce the bag’s long-term value.
Rita Ora makes a statement with her graffiti-painted Birkin bag, featuring bold colors and edgy designs that reflect her unique style
NeNe Leakes’ Controversial Take on the Birkin
However, we have to admit Rita’s graffiti Birkin looks a lot better than NeNe Leakes’, which she personalized herself with text like “So nasty and so rude” and “I’m very rich bitch.”
Check out Nene’s personalized Birkin below, and let us know if this new trend is something you would follow:
NeNe Leakes shared her personalized Birkin bag on Instagram, featuring bold statements like “I’m very rich, b*tch” and “So nasty and so rude,” showcasing her unapologetic personality through colorful graffiti art
Kim Kardashian’s Artist-Created Birkin Sparks Debate
The trend of graffiti-style customization of Birkins gained traction when Kanye West gifted Kim Kardashian a hand-painted Birkin by artist George Condo in 2013.
The bag shamelessly displays a nude artwork by George Condo. We still can’t figure out what the artist (and Kanye) both wanted to convey in this so-called work of art.
Kim Kardashian’s luxury handbag with a surrealist nude portrait hand-painted by renowned artist George Condo (Credit: WENN)
Kelly Osbourne’s Playful Patches: Fashion Risk or Faux Pas?
A newly single Kelly Osbourne was spotted at the airport in London toting around what used to be a classic-looking black Birkin.
Kelly Osbourne steps out at Heathrow Airport in London on January 30, 2013, sporting a punk-inspired look with ripped jeans, studded sneakers, and a graffiti-patched black Hermès Birkin bag (Credit: WENN)
But thanks to all the stitched patches of smileys and funny quips, all the sophistication is now gone.
Kelly Osbourne’s black Hermès Birkin gets a rebellious makeover with playful stitched patches featuring smiley faces, quirky slogans, and tongue-in-cheek labels like “Amateur Gynecologist” and “This is Made in California” (Credit: WENN)
Final Thoughts: Should You Personalize Your Birkin?
If your creative juices start flowing and you suddenly feel the urge to paint, stitch, or draw on your purse, we strongly advise that you refrain from doing so on your expensive bags.
Whether you prefer your Birkin bags customized with graffiti and patches or kept in pristine, classic condition, there’s no denying their iconic status in the world of fashion. To dive deeper into what makes these bags so exclusive, from their rich history to the elusive purchase process, explore our full feature on why the Hermès Birkin remains the most coveted handbag in the world.
Love them or loathe them, customized Birkins have cemented their place in celebrity fashion. Here’s how other A-listers have made a statement with their Hermès bags.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Hermès Birkin Bags
The Hermès Birkin bag remains a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, often seen on the arms of fashion-forward celebrities. Here are some standout moments where stars have elevated their ensembles with this iconic accessory:
Jennifer Lopez’s Luxe Athleisure with a $40K Birkin
- Event: Los Angeles Outing
- Outfit: Jennifer Lopez effortlessly blended comfort and luxury, pairing a cropped sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants with a matte cream Niloticus Crocodile Hermès Birkin bag.
- Footwear: She completed her look with UGG Classic Mini Platform Boots, showcasing her signature athleisure style.
- Read more: Jennifer Lopez’s chic athleisure look with a $40K Hermès Birkin
Jennifer Lopez’s Rare Hermès Birkin Himalaya Blanc Crocodile Bag
- Event: New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Rehearsal
- Outfit: Jennifer Lopez turned heads in a head-to-toe cream ensemble, including a sweatshirt tucked into Olivia Von Halle Missy Moscow striped track pants, layered with a Wilfred Cloud Puff padded corduroy puffer jacket and a furry scarf.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Alexander McQueen sneakers featuring pastel pink suede trims and the brand’s signature exaggerated soles.
- Accessory: J.Lo carried one of the most coveted and expensive Hermès Birkin bags in the world, the Himalaya Blanc crocodile, valued at over $100,000.
- Read more: Jennifer Lopez’s $100K Hermès Birkin Himalaya Blanc Crocodile Bag
Mariah Carey’s Crocodile Hermès Birkins in Paris
- Event: Paris Outings with Her Twins
- Outfits: Mariah Carey showcased two chic black ensembles during her trip to Paris. The first featured a simple black dress paired with a matching cardigan, accessorized with diamond jewels, oversized sunglasses, and a glossy black 30cm crocodile Hermès Birkin bag. In her second look, she wore a looser, polka-dotted dress with a black cardigan, nude platform heels, and a patent, reddish-brown crocodile Birkin adorned with a heart-shaped balloon.
- Footwear: She transitioned from black strappy shoes to nude platform heels, complementing her stylish outfits.
- Read more: Mariah Carey Shows Off Crocodile Hermès Birkin Bags in Paris
Kim Kardashian’s Artistic Birkin Gifted by Kanye West
- Event: Public Appearance
- Outfit: Kim Kardashian carried a unique Hermès Birkin bag hand-painted by artist George Condo, a gift from Kanye West.
- Footwear: She styled the artistic piece with minimalist heels, allowing the bag to be the focal point of her ensemble.
- See more: Kim Kardashian’s unique Christmas gift: a hand-painted Hermès Birkin
Khloé Kardashian’s Bold Blue Saint Cyr Hermès Birkin
- Event: Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport
- Outfit: Khloé Kardashian opted for a comfortable yet chic all-black ensemble, allowing her accessories to take center stage.
- Accessory: She carried a striking blue Saint Cyr Hermès Birkin bag, adding a vibrant pop of color to her outfit and showcasing her bold fashion sense.
- Read more: 5 Alternatives to Khloé Kardashian’s Blue Saint Cyr Hermès Birkin
These fashion moments underscore the versatility and timeless appeal of the Hermès Birkin bag, as celebrities continue to personalize and showcase this iconic accessory in diverse and stylish ways.
Authenticity Matters: How to Spot a Real Hermès Bag
Whether you’re drawn to customized statement pieces or the timeless appeal of a classic Birkin, owning an Hermès bag is as much about style as it is about authenticity.
To ensure you’re investing in the real deal, don’t miss our expert guide on identifying genuine Hermès handbags—including detailed tips on craftsmanship, materials, and common counterfeit red flags—available on our Hermès handbag authenticity and style resource page.