Introduction to the Hermes Birkin Bag

There were two instances in my life when I had the opportunity to touch a Hermes Birkin bag. The first time I was seven years old, and a friend of my mother’s came over for lunch wearing a brown leather bag with stiff, steep handles and silver hardware. During lunch, she held her bag in her lap and occasionally reached down to stroke it as if it were a puppy.

Understanding the Significance of a Birkin

Over the years, I have come to understand the significance of a Birkin bag. Inspired by French screen star and style icon Jane Birkin, the bag starts at $10,000 and can exceed $100,000. It has been referenced in songs, television shows, and films, becoming a symbol of wealth and taste in pop culture.

The Original Birkin Prototype

Sotheby’s is auctioning off the original Birkin prototype, which was manufactured for the deceased actor who passed away in 2023. The bag is black with brass hardware and is being sold as part of a Paris fashion auction on July 10 in Manhattan. According to Morgane Halimi, the global director of handbags and fashion at Sotheby’s, "It is a unique piece, apart from any other handbag or any other Birkin."

The History and Craftsmanship of the Birkin

The original Birkin varies from the Birkins available today in several ways. It is a different size, the strap is not removable, and the "feet" on the bottom are not the same dome shape as those found on modern Birkins. The bag is exceptionally made with the best leather from France and built by craftsmen who train for years in a process that takes at least 18 hours to make a single bag.

The Exclusivity and Rarity of the Birkin

The Birkin is rare and exclusive, making it highly sought after. You can’t just go to a Hermès shop and buy one; allegedly, every potential buyer has to build a relationship with the sales staff and go from there. Even if you are lucky enough to get through the VIP rear room, don’t expect a variety of options. You get what you get, and you say thank you.

The Resale Market and Counterfeits

There is an enormous resale market for Birkins, with bags often selling for double the original price. Wherever there is demand, there are counterfeits; a Google search provides hundreds of options. The Boatkin, a new handbag released by Philadelphia brand Hathaway Hutton, offers a canvas bag with a similar shape and hardware to a Birkin.

The Allure of the Birkin

Buying a Birkin is serious business, and the whole point is the reserved personality and almost lack of personality. The allure of the Birkin lies in its exclusivity, rarity, and craftsmanship. Whether or not a Birkin is worth the price is subjective, but for those who can afford it, it is a status symbol and a testament to their wealth and taste.