If you have not heard of the Hermès Birkin handbag, then you have got a lot of catching up to do. This bag is one of the most exclusive items money can buy, which makes it an item that people are desperate to get their hands on. That is if you have a spare £10,000 and maybe more lying around. These bags do not come cheap, thanks to both their history and exclusivity.
The history of Hermès
The Hermès brand originally began as a luxury leather producing shop, which made saddles and other types of leather goods for horses and ponies. The store was first opened in 1837 and did not actually venture into the world of luxury handbags until the later date of 1922. Both the Kelly and Birkin bags are rumoured to have been inspired by an original Hermès bag from 1892, which had a design based upon horse feed and saddlebags. Previous to Hermès’ success, Chanel was the market leader to beat for designer bags.
The namesake behind the Birkin
It is hard to remember a time before the Birkin did not exist. However, its namesake comes from British actor Jane Birkin. Even before the bag, she was seen as a French-style icon. She was an actress, singer and humanitarian, which made her the perfect muse for Hermès. The Birkin name comes from a deeper interaction with the chief executive of Hermès at the time, Jean-Louis Dumas. This story has become pretty well-known. On a flight from Paris to London, Jane Birkin ended up sitting near Jean-Louis Dumas. During the flight, the contents of Birkin’s straw bag spilt all over the floor, which prompted a discussion about the ideal bag and how it should have a clasp to keep everything enclosed. Rumour has it, the original design of the Birkin bag was drawn up there and then, on a very glamorous aeroplane sick bag.
What makes this bag so popular?
The first reason as to why the Birkin bag gained popularity so fast is because people saw it on the arms of their favourite celebrity. Both Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham were photographed holding their young children, and a Birkin bag, establishing the accessory as a practical one – an item which can be used for going out, and as a nappy bag. There is also one family who many young women look up to – the Kardashian’s. In 2013, Kanye gifted Kim a unique £30,000 Birkin bag. Since then, even North West has been spotted out with a Birkin a handful of times.
Another reason behind the undeniable popularity of this bag is because of the air of exclusivity which surrounds both the Hermès brand, and the bag itself. The Birkin bags are becoming more exclusive as time goes on, due to the amount of Hermes bags that are sold nowadays. It is well known that most people cannot just walk into a Hermès store and demand a Birkin bag. Usually, the bag tends to be earned, almost as a reward once you have been a loyal customer to Hermès over many years.
The final reason, which also establishes the bag as one of the most iconic of all time is because it is a bag that does not bend to trends. Other luxury designers may be more fluid in their designs and move with the trends. Not the Birkin bag. This accessory has stayed true to its original design and has barely changed since its creation. The Birkin bag will always be on-trend because of its nature.
The Birkin bag has established itself as one of the most recognisable bags in the world
It is safe to say that there is a combination of factors as to why the Birkin bag is so coveted. The bag has elements like exclusivity, a timeless design and a celebrity clientele. A triple threat Hermès, when they want to sell a bag. If you were to show anyone who knows anything about fashion a photo of this bag, they will know exactly what it is. That is the true power of the Birkin bag.
