The Birkin Bag is one of the most iconic and coveted luxury handbags in the world. The bag, named after actress Jane Birkin, was created by French fashion house Hermes in 1984.
It quickly became a symbol of wealth and status, with prices skyrocketing into the tens of thousands of dollars. But, does Hermes still sell the Birkin Bag? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Birkin Bag?
Before we answer the question of whether or not Hermes still sells the Birkin Bag, let’s first understand what makes it so special. The Birkin Bag is a handmade leather tote bag that comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
It is made from high-quality materials such as calf leather, crocodile skin, and ostrich leather. The bag features two top handles and a flap closure with a lock and key.
The History of the Birkin Bag
The story goes that in 1981, Jane Birkin was on a flight from Paris to London when she spilled the contents of her straw tote bag all over the floor. She complained to her seatmate that she couldn’t find a good leather weekend bag to fit all her belongings.
That seatmate happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermes. He took note of her complaints and created a new handbag design just for her – thus, the Birkin Bag was born.
Do Hermes Still Sell the Birkin Bag?
The short answer is yes – but it’s not as simple as just walking into an Hermes store and purchasing one off the shelf. The Birkin Bag has become so exclusive that there are waiting lists years long just to get your hands on one.
Hermes has always been known for its limited production runs – they only make a certain number of items each year, which adds to their exclusivity. But the Birkin Bag takes this to a whole new level. The company doesn’t release production numbers, but it’s estimated that only a few thousand Birkins are made each year.
So, how do you get one? The most common way is to join the waiting list at an Hermes store.
However, this isn’t just any waiting list – it’s rumored that you have to build a relationship with the store and show your loyalty by purchasing other Hermes items before you can even be considered for a Birkin Bag. And even then, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get one.
The Cost of a Birkin Bag
The cost of a Birkin Bag varies depending on the size and type of leather used. Prices start at around $10,000 for the smallest size in basic leather and can go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for exotic skins like crocodile or alligator. The most expensive Birkin ever sold was a Himalayan crocodile skin Birkin with white gold and diamond hardware that sold for over $400,000 at auction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – Hermes still sells the Birkin Bag, but it’s not easy to get your hands on one. The exclusivity and high price tag only add to its allure and status as one of the most coveted luxury items in the world. Whether or not you can afford one, there’s no denying that the Birkin Bag will always hold a special place in fashion history.