The Birkin is the most coveted bag in the world. No other bag comes close – not even from Dior, Prada, or Chanel. If you looked at the vision board of the most ambitious young women, you’d see a photo of a Birkin bag.
The bag has transcended the fashion world to become a cultural icon and a symbol of status. You know you have made it in life when you can carry a Birkin bag. The Birkin is a piece of fashion history, and it’s not something that you can buy off the shelf.
It’s a favorite among royalty and celebrities, proving to be one of the most secure investments you can make. We will tell you everything you need to know about Hermes’ legendary Birkin and what made it the most desired bag for women everywhere.
How the Birkin Bag Was Born: Jane Birkin’s Accidental Legacy
The Birkin began its life in 1984 as a happy accident for Hermès. Thierry Hermès’ original clients were not royalty and celebrities but horses.
He founded Hermès almost two hundred years ago. The French fashion house was founded in 1837 as an equestrian brand, selling saddles, before expanding into the world of leather goods and fashion.
Their logo, featuring a horse-drawn carriage, is as recognizable as their signature orange boxes.
Crafted from coral red and khaki beige leather, this Hermès Birkin bag has the classic thin sangles with a frontal twist-lock fastening
Before the Birkin, Hermes’ signature bag was the ‘Kelly’, which became popular worldwide as the handbag of choice for Princess Grace of Monaco.
The bag was first released in 1930 as the ‘Sac à Dépêches’ with a top handle, slim silhouette, and a flap top featuring a belted turn-lock closure. It would have its moment in the sun in 1955 when it was given to Grace Kelly to carry during the film ‘To Catch a Thief’.
The bag became so closely associated with the actress-turned-royal that they changed the name to ‘Kelly’. It became Hermès’ most famous bag and dominated the industry until the Birkin came along.
Like all good things, the Birkin came around by accident. The British actress Jane Birkin was on an Air France flight with Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermès.
Singer and actress Jane Birkin reportedly rarely uses the famous handbag that bears her name (Credit: WENN)
Despite the Birkin bag becoming a global status symbol, Jane herself had a far simpler view of fashion and practicality. She once said, “I never have more than one bag at a time. I think one is already quite enough.”
She was sitting next to Jean-Louis Dumas when the contents of her bag fell out. The pair started up a conversation about what her dream bag would be like. Jane sketched the design on the back of a sick bag, describing it as bigger than a Kelly bag but smaller than a suitcase.
Birkin later joked about the bag’s practicality, saying, “A Birkin bag is a very good rain hat; just put everything else in a plastic bag.”
Just like that, the Birkin was born. Jean-Louis Dumas took Birkin’s suggestions on board and altered the brand’s ‘Haut à Courroies’ bag, which held equestrian gear.
It was more contemporary than the Kelly, which came to epitomize ladylike elegance, and marked the dawn of a new era for Hermès.
They created the Birkin as a bag to be carried by hand or in the crook of your arm, with four studs on the base and a slouchier structure than the Kelly. The Birkin is the only other Hermès bag named after a celebrity.
The Birkin Bag: From Fashion Accessory to Powerful Status Symbol
The Birkin wasn’t an instant hit upon its release. It gained popularity towards the end of the 1990s, coinciding with a shift in consumer culture as the era of ‘it bags’ emerged. The Birkin became one of the few bags you couldn’t buy off the shelf.
This only added to the luster of the Birkin, making it a status symbol. While it developed a waiting list, it wasn’t your traditional waiting list.
Just because your name was on a list, there was no guarantee you’d ever get a Birkin. The waiting list has ended in recent years, making it an even more mysterious process.
Khloé Kardashian adds a touch of luxury to her travel look with a rare beige crocodile Hermès Birkin bag (Credit: WENN)
Only a limited number are made each year, with fierce competition to obtain one. Clients spend years developing relationships with Sales Assistants at Hermès, buying anything from the brand that they can, hoping to one day be offered a Birkin.
Birkin herself viewed the bag with far less reverence, famously saying, “There’s no fun in a bag if it’s not kicked around so that it looks as if the cat’s been sitting on it — and it usually has.”
This lighthearted attitude contrasts sharply with today’s world of meticulously preserved collector Birkins, many of which are now traded on the pre-loved market.
How Many Birkin Bags Does Hermès Really Make Each Year?
The number of Birkin bags produced yearly is a closely guarded secret by Hermès. In 2014, it was estimated that Hermès produced 70,000 Birkin bags annually, making them a rarity compared to other luxury goods and ‘it’ bags.
The Birkin has transcended from being a handbag to being a status symbol. It exists in the world of Ferraris and luxury watches as a way of telling the world that you have ‘made it’.
No other bag carries the same social status as a Birkin, not even a Chanel 2.55 or a Lady Dior.
Crafted from feminine decor red leather, this trapeze-shaped tote from Hermès has a smooth finish and silver-tone hardware
When it comes to collecting handbags, the Birkin is a popular choice. You’ll rarely find a celebrity without a Birkin in their collection, and it’s the signature of popstar-turned-designer Victoria Beckham.
Victoria is estimated to own more than 100 Birkin bags, having purchased her first bag in 2004 and been spotted carrying one for every occasion until she launched her brand.
Beckham’s pink Ostrich leather Birkin is valued at over $150,000, one of the most expensive styles Hermès offers. Jamie Chua, a Singapore socialite, is rumored to own over 200 Hermès bags, primarily Birkin and Kelly bags.
Kylie Jenner turns heads with her bold electric blue Hermès Birkin bag (Credit: WENN)
Today, you can spot everyone from the Kardashian-Jenner clan – including North West – to Cardi B and Lady Gaga carrying Birkin bags.
Why Buying a Birkin Is So Difficult: Secrets of Scarcity and Exclusivity
The difficulty of purchasing a Birkin directly from the store has led to a lucrative pre-loved market. Much like the world of luxury watches, Birkin bags have become an investment that you profit from further down the line.
For anyone who wants to walk into a store and leave with a Birkin, you’ll have to visit a specialist second-hand store.
It has become easier in recent years to track down a pre-loved Birkin. Thanks to websites like Vestiaire Collective, Farfetch, and The RealReal, you can purchase a Birkin from the comfort of your own home.
The pre-loved market is the most accessible way to purchase a Birkin bag, although you’ll pay a premium for it. In the long run, it will probably save you money if you don’t intend to purchase other items from Hermès to build a profile with the brand.
Constructed from Togo leather, this Birkin 35 tote bag from Hermès will steal your spotlight fairly easily
In addition to potentially saving you some money, you can be more particular about the Birkin you want.
In a Hermès store, you’ll likely only be offered a few styles, whereas the online pre-loved catalogs are more extensive, allowing you to choose a bag that fits your budget and aesthetic.
If you want to buy a Birkin as an investment, consider purchasing one during an ‘off-peak’ period. While everyone is looking for the smallest Birkin possible to jump on the ‘mini’ bag trend, you might find that the larger Birkin sizes can be cheaper because of lower demand.
Not even a global pandemic could slow down the popularity of the Birkin. In 2020, Vestiaire Collective experienced a 185% increase in searches for the bags, which may be partly due to Hermès stores being closed.
Crafted from elegant black veau Epsom leather, this Birkin tote bag from Hermès is finished with modern silver-tone hardware and a 35cm trapeze body
The Birkin has been introduced to a new generation thanks in no small part to the Kardashian-Jenner clan. All the sisters and Kris Jenner have a collection of Birkin bags.
The tradition is even being handed down to their children, with both North West and Stormi Webster having Birkin bags.
How Much Does a Birkin Bag Cost? (And Why Prices Keep Climbing)
A Birkin bag can cost more than a car, for an ‘entry-level’ style. The price of each Birkin is determined by the type of leather or animal skin used, the hardware, and the color.
It’s almost impossible to provide a standard price for the bag. Like other luxury houses, Hermès experiences several price increases throughout the year, resulting in ever-changing prices.
Along with being incredibly expensive, it’s also tough to get your hands on one. The demand for a Birkin means you’re likely to pay a premium to acquire one pre-owned.
A PETA supporter is body painted to look like a crocodile lying in a pool of blood outside the London Hermès store at The Royal Exchange (Credit: WENN)
If you have a Birkin, you can expect to sell it for around 130% of its original value on the second-hand market. There seems to be no sign of the Birkin market slowing down, with the value of the bag increasing by 16% between 2016 and 2017. If you want to invest, don’t buy stocks, buy a Birkin!
The price of a Birkin varies enormously, especially when purchasing the bag, and depending on the location.
From 1980 to 2015, a Birkin bag would yield an average annual return of 14.2%, indicating that you can potentially make a significant profit by selling the bag a few years after purchasing it. In 2019, it was estimated that around a million Birkin bags were in circulation worldwide.
The Birkin has continuously set records for the most expensive bag in the world. In 2017, a white Himalayan Niloticus crocodile Birkin, complete with 18-carat white gold hardware and featuring 245 diamonds, was sold at Christie’s in Hong Kong for nearly $400,000.
Each bag is handmade using Hermès’ signature saddle stitching, a technique the company has employed since the 1800s. It takes two years of training for a craftsman to be able to make a Birkin, and six years to learn all the different styles. It takes over 12 hours of work on the leather to create the bag’s shape, with each piece sewn together by hand.
Each Birkin is a piece of unique craftsmanship that takes several days to produce, and it comes with an exclusive price tag.
When purchasing a pre-owned Birkin, you can expect to pay around $10,000 for a standard style in excellent condition. If you’re in the exotic leather market, you’ll need to have a budget upward of $100,000.
Kate Upton shows off her classic Hermès Birkin bag (Credit: WENN)
When purchasing a Birkin directly from the store, there are two key considerations to keep in mind. Traditionally, you’ll need to build a relationship with a Sales Assistant to be offered a Birkin.
You should expect to spend several thousand dollars before you’re given the chance to purchase a Birkin.
However, it’s not unheard of for Birkins to be offered to the right people at the right time. You might save several thousand dollars by purchasing your bag in Europe instead of the United States.
Kris Jenner carries a bright yellow Hermès Birkin bag (Credit: WENN)
A Birkin 30cm in Togo leather – a standard style – will set you back around $11,000 in the United States, while you could pick it up for less than €8,000 in Europe, saving you almost two and a half thousand dollars.
Birkin Bag Sizes, Leathers, and Custom Options: A Complete Guide
When the Birkin was first released in the 80s, it came in a standard 35cm size. While this is still the most common size of the Birkin, it is now available in every size, from miniature to travel.
The Birkin bag, an iconic luxury accessory, is offered in four sizes to cater to various needs and styles. These sizes include the petite 25 cm, a versatile 30 cm, the classic 35 cm original size, and a larger 40 cm version designed for travel.
What sets each Birkin apart is not just its size but the unique combination of leather and hardware options available. Customers can choose from a variety of leathers, ranging from the popular Epsom leather, known for its durability and distinctive grainy texture, to more exotic and opulent options, such as crocodile skin.
Each choice in leather and hardware imbues the Birkin with a distinct character and elegance, ensuring that each bag is not just a fashion statement but a personal expression of style.
The hardware ranges from silver palladium to diamond-encrusted. You can now even have your Birkin custom-painted, just like Kanye West had a Birkin painted by George Condo for his then-fiancée Kim Kardashian.
Boasting its famous twist-lock fastener and enough room inside for everything you wish to carry, this Birkin 35 tote bag from Hermès is for those with a refined fashion palate
Each Birkin comes with its lock and keys, which are hidden in a leather holder called a clochette, looped around the handle.
The main difference between the Kelly and the Birkin is the handles. The former has one while the latter has two. The Kelly also comes with a detachable shoulder strap.
While the Kelly is Hermès’ ladylike bag, the Birkin is its playful younger sister. It’s a bag that looks better with age and is considered more carefree than the Kelly. Hermès offers a ‘spa’ service for bags that have aged over time, allowing them to be reconditioned.
Although the Birkin came decades after the Kelly, it has become the symbol of the Hermès brand. No other bag is as well-known by name or as recognizable as the Birkin.
It’s become a pop culture reference and a way of showing the world you have ‘made it.’ As Samantha Jones once said in Sex and the City, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin.”
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.