The Lowdown on the Hermes Birkin

The Hermes Birkin is one of the most coveted designer handbags in the world. They are also one of the most expensive. If you’d like to know a little more about this iconic designer handbag the following article provides a brief overview on its history, price, availability and style.

History

The story goes that Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes was on board the same flight as singer and model Jane Birkin. Birkin apparently lost the contests of her bag in front of the designer, because she was having trouble fitting all her belongings in her current bag.

The next year in 1982 Mr Hermes developed the Birkin to cater to the modern woman who was on the go.

Ironically, Jane Birkin herself has since admitted that the larger bag only led to her carrying more. She said “I told hermes they were mad to make it. My one was always full, and it ended up giving me tendonitis.”

Price

A Birkin handbag will typically cost over $10,000 US dollars, some exotic leather varieties cost more then $20,000 US dollars. Even more unique Birkin handbags with features like diamonds have sold for over $50,000. It is one of Herme’s most expensive handbag styles. Buying a Birkin is not a dissimilar investment to buying a car. Once you have purchased a Birkin bag, for a fee you can have it sent away for a service to help keep it looking its best. They also tend to hold or increase in value.

Availability

The Birkin is widely known for its up to three year waiting list. Not only do you have to wait for an available Birkin to be constructed, you have to be approved to go on the wait list in the first place. Unless you are a celebrity or other person of notoriety, this usually requires you to become friendly with a Hermes sales person as you make other Hermes purchases. Birkin’s are not sold online and are only sold through Herme’s stores. According to some, the wait is less in European stores, compared to some other international locations.

Style

A Birkin handbag is roughly rectangular in shape and is wider at the bottom then narrower at the top. It has a flap that comes over to the front and closes with a lock closure. It functions in a similar way to an envelope. The average size Birkin is roughly 30 x 30cm. The hardware is gold plated and they usually feature little feet at the bottom. They are a top handle handbag style that are designed to be carried by hand, rather then slung over the shoulder.They come in a wide variety of colors, fabrications and styles. From textured calf leather, to goatskin, crocodile, python and ostrich. There is a travel version that measures around 45cm and even a sports style.They are hand crafted by skilled leather crafts people.