Unlike its humble beginning, the Birkin Bag is one of those longstanding fashion appeals that got richer over time. But owning this pricey handbag isn’t as easy as they show in the movies. Remember Samantha Jones from ‘Sex And the City’ was once told: “It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin!”, and might we add a prestige symbol for the rich-rich. Although a Birkin Bag has become a household name even for those who do not give a tinker’s damn, we know in truth, it is a six-figure luxury that not everyone can afford or simply can get their hands on. Sorry, Samantha.
What makes a Birkin Bag so special? Whether you are looking to know more about the most coveted handbag in history or just want to check out some alternatives, we unbosom everything here that ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ couldn’t possibly tell you about owing the iconic “Bagwati”.
It all began in 1983 when British and French actress and singer Jane Birkin boarded a flight to London and complained to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès that there were not any handbags that could be left open and fit all the things that a woman deem necessary. The Birkin Bag was born on that Air France flight where the late fashion icon sketched out the design of her desired handbag alongside Dumas. The Birkin Bag was officially brought to the market in 1984.
Named after Jane Birkin, a cool actress who was also an activist, the Birkin Bag is a timeless piece of luxury from the French luxury goods manufacturer Hermès. With rich status, high quality, and attention to detail, Hermès as a brand enjoys a prominent status in the world of luxury.
The brand was founded by German-born harness maker Thierry Hermès after he opened a workshop in rue Basse-du-Rempart in Paris in 1837. From being a saddle-making company to making leather golf jackets to making travel bags, Hermès has always been big on craftsmanship and quality from its very establishment which is seen in its offerings to date.
Owning a Birkin Bag
An icon in the fashion world, a Birkin Bag depending on the material and model can cost from approximately $12,000 to $2,000,000. The ultra-premium luxury handbag is structured with two top rolled handles, a lock, and a flap closure. A classic Hermès Birkin comes in four sizes, they are Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, and Birkin 40. While the six most favoured Birkin Bag colours are black, navy, red, brown, dark green, and beige/cream.
At first, a Birkin Bag cost about $2,000, but since its introduction, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a Birkin Bag has been 4.7%. While Hermès maintains a range of 4-5% annual pricing increase, with its projected growth in the coming years, a basic Birkin Bag could reach $20,000 in five years.
Today, buying a Birkin is similar to entering a cult of sorts. Known for notoriously difficult possession, Birkin bags are subject to a stringent quota system worldwide. They can’t be purchased online and displayed Birkin bags in a store are not available for sale.
It was not long ago when Hermès faced a class action lawsuit from two Californians who said the brand refused to sell them Birkin Bags despite their multiple attempts. Simply put, owning a Birkin Bag is an out-of-touch elitist (thanks to the brand’s very striking class system). Although owning a Birkin Bag seems like a great investment, having a yacht or a house would feel better. A Birkin-like bag is what you are looking for that won’t put a dent in your bank balance and would still look stylish and sophisticated luxury matching the prestige of Hermès’ crown jewel, we got you covered.
Here are some “affordable luxury” bags that look and feel similar to the Birkin.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Double Bag
LANCASTER
Extra Large Tote Bag – Milano Cosmos
TOM FORD
Large Whitney tote bag
YVES SAINT LAURENT
Manhattan Top-Handle in Box Saint Laurent
FERRAGAMO
Vara Bow top handle
Hermès has gone all out with their Birkin Bag collection, but the reality of owning this exclusive piece seems like a far-fetched dream, with its underlying hold as an investment piece. Although desired by many, in this modern age, owing something with a status symbol simply isn’t good enough. Is the Birkin an option or a need? We’ll let you be the judge.
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