12 Surprising Facts About the Iconic Hermès Birkin

Discovering the Hermès Birkin: A Fashion Icon

The Hermès Birkin bag stands as one of the most recognisable and coveted accessories in the fashion world, admired and collected globally. But what lies behind the allure of this luxurious handbag? Here, we delve into some fascinating facts about the Birkin that you may not be aware of.

What Exactly is a Birkin?

The Hermès Birkin bag was created in homage to the English actress and singer Jane Birkin. This iconic bag features two rolled handles, a flap top, a touret, a clochette, and four distinctive clous or ‘feet’. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the Birkin has become synonymous with luxury and elegance.

Twelve Intriguing Facts About the Birkin

1. The First Sketch Was Created on an Airplane Sick Bag

Few people know that the Birkin was born during an Air France flight in 1984. Jane Birkin found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the artistic director of Hermès. After a mishap caused the contents of her bag to spill onto the floor, Dumas proposed creating a new bag for her. In a moment of inspiration, Birkin sketched her ideal bag on a sick bag, leading to the creation of the now-iconic design.

2. Jane Birkin Owned Only a Handful of Birkins

Despite being the muse behind the bag, Jane Birkin reportedly owned only five or six Birkins throughout her life. She preferred to use one bag at a time, often donating older ones to charity auctions.

3. A Nominal Royalty for Her Name

Initially, Birkin was content with receiving a free bag for lending her name to the design. However, Hermès later provided her with an annual royalty, which she generously donated to charities of her choice, reportedly amounting to around $40,000 each year.

4. Handmade Perfection

Every Hermès Birkin is a masterpiece crafted by skilled artisans, each taking over 48 hours to create a single bag. The original design has remained relatively unchanged, although the first Birkins were known to include a nail clipper attachment.

5. The Complicated Purchasing Process

Acquiring a Birkin is not as simple as walking into a store and making a purchase. Although there is no longer an official waiting list, prospective buyers typically need to establish a purchase history with Hermès or have connections within the brand to secure one.

6. Limited Availability

The exclusivity of the Birkin is part of its allure. Hermès produces only a limited number of these bags each year, with estimates suggesting around 12,000 to 70,000 are made annually. With only 200,000 Birkins in circulation, their rarity significantly boosts their resale value.

7. The Price Tag

Today, a basic Birkin starts at approximately £8,500, with prices for more elaborate designs soaring to £250,000. To put this into perspective, a leather Birkin was valued at just $4,000 in a 2001 episode of Sex and the City.

8. Naming Conventions

Each Birkin bag is named based on its size, colour, and texture. For instance, a ‘Hermès 25 Birkin Bag Togo in black’ indicates a bag measuring 25 centimetres, made from Togo leather, and coloured black.

9. The Birkin Trend Among Gen Z

The Birkin continues to captivate younger generations, with social media platforms seeing a surge in interest. Hashtags like #hermesunboxing and #unboxingofbirkin have amassed millions of views, showcasing the ongoing demand for these luxury items.

10. Auction Records

The Birkin holds the record as the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. A Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30 fetched more than $450,000 in 2021, while Jane Birkin’s original bag sold for over $10 million, setting a new benchmark in the luxury market.

11. Vintage Value

Interestingly, vintage Birkins can command prices twice that of new ones. For instance, while a new Hermès Birkin may retail around £9,000, vintage models have been known to sell for over £20,000, driven by their rarity and desirability.

12. Renting a Birkin

For those hesitant to invest in a Birkin, rental options are available, allowing fashion enthusiasts to experience the luxury without the hefty price tag. Platforms like By Rotation offer Birkins for rent, with prices starting as low as £50 for a one-day rental.

Conclusion

The Hermès Birkin bag is more than just a fashion accessory; it is a symbol of status and elegance, steeped in a rich history that continues to evolve. With its intricate craftsmanship, limited availability, and the enduring fascination it inspires, the Birkin remains a timeless piece coveted by many across the globe. Whether you’re considering an investment or simply wish to appreciate its allure, understanding the story behind this iconic bag adds to its charm.