The History of the Hermès Birkin Bag and how it became so expensive

We’ve all heard the three iconic words Hermès Birkin Bag before. Ever wondered how the Hermès Birkin bag became the most desirable bag and has maintained that unreachable status for over three decades? Infamous for its exceptional craftsmanship and jaw-dropping price that continues to rise, it has become the most iconic it bag worldwide. Hermès has triumphed in maintaining the bag’s untouchable reputation, as one of the world’s most desirable luxury handbags, the Birkin has always been the ultimate symbol of status. From their synonymous orange packaging, to the extensive waiting lists, we are going to explore the history and ever growing drive for the it bag of the century.

The History of the Hermès Birkin

The most valuable bag of our time was first imagined in the sky. Yes, you read that right! In 1981 on a flight from Paris to London the desirable bag was first born. International sweetheart, actress, and singer Jane Birkin dropped her belongings by chance. Known for carrying a wicker basket everywhere with her from diapers to diaries, the legend goes when she placed it in the upper head compartments, the lid came off. Her papers scattered over the plane when her neighbour seated sat up and helped to collect her belongings back for her, he introduced himself as the executive chairman of Hermès himself; Jean-Louis Dumas, as if by fate the two collided paths.

As she discussed not being able to find a suitable bag for her everyday needs as a young mother, Dumas began sketching with his keen eye. The two discussed the ideal roomy and classic bag, as they sketched out a faint scribble of what would become the iconic Birkin we see today. His original sketches are said to be featuring a spacious rectangular holdall with a burnished flap and saddle stitching. The Birkin bag was born.

The bag was officially created in 1984, a highly functional and spacious design.

The historic fashion house was originally known for its distinguished creation of crafted horse harnesses and carriages. Until opening its first Parisian store in 1837 and entering the world of luxury handbags in 1922.

It might be hard to imagine now with the Birkin being the most infamous It-Bag of them all. But in the early 80s the bag was far from an overnight sensation. Chanel heavily dominated the luxury market in the 80s. Meaning, the Birkin didn’t take off in the status we know it as today until the mid-to-late 90s. Beginning the all too well known, It-bag era.

How did the Birkin bag gain such a status?

Ever since the iconic bag took off in the 90s it has not slowed down, continuing to grow in price, popularity, and exclusivity. Of course, making it an A-listers favourite as the ultimate status symbol, receiving worldwide admiration. 

Victoria Beckham who is often spotted with the renowned it bag in a variety of colours, has been reported to have a collection of over 100 Birkins, estimated to be worth over two million dollars. With many celebrities having closest dedicated to the bag entirely, like Kris Jenner.

Kate Moss uses them as nappy bags, and Kim Kardashian buys them for her close friends. Virgil Abloh would send them down the off-white runways and Drake collects them for his future wife. So it’s fair to say they are simply the most distinguished bag among Hollywood.

In 2001 the Birkin officially received the ultimate status symbol projected by the iconic, fan-favourite Sex and The City show.

When the bag was used as a plot, showcasing Samantha Jones skipping the five-year waiting list with the help of a celebrity client for the coveted it-bag. It is said that even after the episode was aired, the Birkin waiting list tripled in length.

While the 90s and early 00s were filled with waiting lists, 6 years being the longest recorded. Now you can’t just walk into a Hermès store and buy one. Customers must have a purchase history with the brand. And stores are only allowed to order a limited number of Birkins twice a year. All you can do now is become important enough or spend enough to be offered the infamous bag. But even if you can afford it, it doesn’t mean you would necessarily be able to choose the colour or size. Indeed, styles of Birkin bags received by Hermes boutiques are often a surprise, making it difficult for customers to secure their desired bag.

Why Are Hermes Bags So Expensive And Exclusive?

Hermès knows exactly how to continue driving the exclusivity of the Birkin, sustaining the bag’s reputation as one of the world’s most unobtainable luxury items. But how has it kept its prestigious status for so long?

Their dedication to preserving the exclusivity of the Birkin is unmatched by any luxury fashion house. Hermès refuses to ever release the number of Birkin bags that will be manufactured each year. This is to limit the exclusive supply to the most elite group of consumers. Their tight control over the distribution of the bags along with their intricate craftsmanship keeps the bag’s desire alive. They also place a limit on how many Birkin bags each client can purchase per year. This limited access and demand has continued to create a dedicated admiration for the bag.

The handcrafted bag continues to drive the value year after year with its strict exclusivity.

Ranging anywhere from twelve thousand dollars to half a million, the bag is a statement of luxury. The Birkin has even been considered to be a better investment than gold. As a 2017 study revealed the value of Hermès Birkin bags has increased 500% in the last 35 years, an increase of 14% per year. The most expensive bag sold to date is the coveted Hermès Himalaya Birkin. Which sold at an auction for just over $500,000.

The price of the first Birkin bag is said to be around $2,000. While today, a standard leather Birkin costs around $10,000. More exclusive Birkin bags, like the one with diamond-encrusting can retail for as much as $75,000-$300,000 depending on the condition, color and size. Prices can skyrocket even more at an auction.

In 2019, Hermès released the first Faubourg Birkin – the Day Faubourg Birkin in brown, and the Night Faubourg Birkin in blue.

They were an instant hit with collectors and continue to be among the most sought-after handbags on the market today. In 2021, two new versions were released. The Midnight Faubourg Birkin in black, and the Neige Snow Faubourg Birkin in white. The Faubourg Birkin Bags are among the most expensive Birkin bags on the secondary market due to rarity and demand.

Birkin Bag Sizes

Currently, the Birkin bag comes in 6 standard sizes: Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, Birkin 40, Birkin 42, and Birkin 50. There is even a 3-en-1 Birkin Tote Holdall. Which includes a canvas clutch, a leather tote, and also a clutch and a tote together.

Birkin Bag Materials

An Hermès bag is made of a variety of different high-quality materials. Including leather, exotics skins like crocodile and ostrich, and more. 

The bag first appeared in calfbox leather, which is the brand’s heritage leather, the oldest leather used by Hermès. It has a very smooth finish that gives Birkins an extra glamorous look. There is also a Togo Birkin, made from calfskin leather, the Clemence, which is made from cowhide and is softer, heavier, and less durable leather than the Togo. And the Epsom and the Fjord, which are very rigid and waterproof.

Where Are Birkin Bags Made?

All exclusively made across 52 sites in France, a group of 180-250 artisans work cutting, perfecting, and stitching all the Hermès signature bags entirely by hand.

What goes into the craftsmanship of such a bag?

What goes into the creation of these prestigious bags, that not only gained the title of the most desired luxury item and renowned it bag, but maintained it over our time? The kind of bag that is so long-lasting in a world of fast fashion fanatics and seasonal luxury trends, it is instantly recognizable and tirelessly desired. With almost 200 years of tradition and craftsmanship, Hermès is the epitome of handcrafted luxury to the top of quality. In addition, it is said that a minimum of 18 hours of careful craftsmanship by the artisans is needed to create one single Birkin bag.

The Birkin bag may forever be the most exclusive and desirable bag of our time. To conclude, do you want to know an exciting fact about the notorious orange packaging of the luxury fashion house? Originally, Hermès packaging was designed in a pigskin shade. But after WW2, cream colored boxes were no longer available. And the only choice left was orange, the color nobody wanted. It is now a part of the house’s heritage.

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