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Hermès Birkin Bags

If you ask a fashion lover what their dream bag is, they would most likely answer with one of the three holy trinities of the Hermès handbags, and, while many chase a mini Kelly, when it comes to a lifetime commitment, our bet would always be a Birkin bag. By now, we have all become aware of how valuable the Birkin bag is. Ever wondered how Birkins became the most desirable bag and has maintained that unreachable status for over three decades? From the Hermès iconic orange packaging to the extensive waiting lists, we will explore the history and ever-growing drive for the it-bag of the century (and more to come).

Hermès Leather Quality

Let's get the obvious facts straight: one of the main reasons the Birkin handbag is so coveted is the fashion house's exceptional craftsmanship. This applies not only to the Birkin bags but to all other Hermès handbags, such as Constance, Kelly, Evelyne, Bolide, Picotin, and Lindy, to name a few. This dedication to quality leather artisanry is a significant part of their DNA. Thierry Hermès founded the company in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris. His intent was to serve the needs of European noblemen by providing saddles, bridles, and other leather riding gear, using the best materials to extend the longevity of his products. Today, Hermès continues to use only the finest leathers like Togo, Barenia Faubourg, Boxcalf, Chèvre, Clemence, and others, ensuring that every handbag, including the Birkin, is a masterpiece of both durability and luxury. The quality of stitching on the Birkin also reflects this commitment, with each stitch made by hand, ensuring precision and long-lasting wear.

When & How the Hermès Birkin Bag Was Created

Hermès Birkin Bag and Jane Birkin

The Birkin bag was introduced in 1984. The creation of this iconic handbag came from a conversation between then CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and the late actress and singer Jane Birkin. They were on a flight together from Paris to London. As Jane Birkin sat in her seat, her handbag tipped over, and the contents spilled across the cabin floor. The man beside her commented on her bag, saying, "You should have one with pockets." She then told him, "The day Hermès makes one with pockets, I'll have that." At the time, she had no idea that she was speaking to the CEO of Hermès. The story says it was right then on that flight when Jean-Louis Dumas and Jane Birkin began sketching the perfect handbag. Eventually, this led to a fashion phenomenon: the Birkin bag was born. The design featured sleek, structured leather, a spacious interior, and carefully placed pockets. The Birkin's handle is hand-stitched and sturdy, meant to be carried by hand rather than over the shoulder, further emphasizing its exclusive luxury. The clochette, a small leather cover that contains the key to the bag's lock, has also become an iconic feature of the Birkin design. Last but not least, the luxurious hardware, which today comes in several tone options, with gold and palladium being the most common.

How should you carry a Birkin bag: open or closed?

One of the often-debated questions among Birkin owners is whether to carry the bag open or closed. While some collectors believe the handbag should always be closed to maintain its pristine shape and showcase the secure hardware along with the iconic Hermès details, such as the clochette with the key and lock, others enjoy the casual elegance of leaving the bag open. Leaving it slightly open allows for easier access to the interior and adds a sense of effortless chic to your style. As for the ones using their Birkin hardware color as a stylish addition to their outfit, there are no worries; carrying the handbag open exposes even more hardware details. So whenever you want more focus on your gold or palladium detail, we actually suggest leaving your handbag open. The Birkin's relaxed but luxurious design allows you to choose based on your preference, with either option exuding class. However, for those who prioritize keeping the stitching, interior, and handle in perfect condition, closing the handbag might be the best option.

Why the Hermès Birkin Bag Is So Expensive?

The Value of Hermès Bags

Fast-forward to the present. The Birkin bag costs between $12,000 and $300,000 (a price far from the usual luxury bags price tags), depending on leather, materials, and craftsmanship. Each Birkin handbag is managed by a single craftsman from start to finish, taking 18 to 25 hours to complete by hand. This time varies depending on the leather. Placing stitching on the crocodile leather is more challenging and time-consuming than working with Hermès less fragile Togo leather or stitching soft Chèvre.

Such precision in leather craftsmanship and stitching work ensures the long-lasting durability of all Birkin handbags. Whether made of ostrich, crocodile, Togo, or Chèvre leather, your Birkin will serve you for decades if taken care of considerably.

Another distinguishing factor is the quality of Hermès hardware. Once carrying in person, you can't ignore how flawlessly the handbag's gold hardware merges with the tone of fine jewelry, just as the palladium one exquisitely complements a watch with a white gold bracelet.

What is the most expensive Birkin?

A Himalayan Birkin, crafted from Nile crocodile skin and featuring diamond-encrusted gold hardware, holds the record as the most expensive Hermès bag sold, reaching almost $500,000 at auction. Hermès bags continue to break records, not just because of their rarity but also because of their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, which, unlike other luxury brands, never changes.

The Most Trusted Resale Dealers for Buying Hermès Birkin Bag

Given the difficulty in acquiring a Birkin handbag directly from Hermès, many buyers turn to trusted resellers. Notable names in the resale market include The RealReal, Farfetch, Fashionphile, Rebag, The Luxury Closet, and heritage auctions, all known for authenticating luxury handbags. These dealers offer a curated selection of pre-owned Birkin bags, allowing buyers to skip the waitlist while still obtaining an authentic Hermès piece.

How to check if the Birkin is authentic?

Hanbag's handle: Check the quality of stitching and finishing on the center and each side of the handle.

Leather quality: Each Hermès leather has unique characteristics; knowing the peculiarities of most common leathers, like Togo, Epsom, Chèvre, Clemence, and Boxcalf, will help you identify an authentic Birkin handbag.
Stitching: Hermès artisans pay special attention to the stitching of the bag. This handwork takes hours to complete. Therefore, the stitching on your Birkin must not only be consistent but look impeccable.
For classic Birkin handbags (except limited editions, custom orders, and exotic skins), there are only a few hardware tone options: gold, rose gold, brushed gold, palladium, brushed palladium, and permabrass). - Any other tone of hardware must raise suspicions regarding the authenticity of the Birkin.
The Hermès lock and key: Check if the engraved serial number at the bottom of the Hermès lock matches the number engraved on the key.

Here are some additional general suggestions on how to choose the best pre-owned Birkin handbag:

When purchasing a pre-owned Birkin, buyers are advised to pay attention to the handbag's leather quality. For example, a pre-owned or even vintage Birkin in Togo might have a fresher look than a pre-loved Birkin in Chèvre due to its ability to preserve the original shape.

Examine the interior of the handbag carefully; check for marks and stains. Birkin bags carried without an insert often have minor ink marks and hand sanitizer leaks. Check the hardware for scratches. All these factors significantly impact the bag's value. Inspecting the Hermès clochette, lock, and key is also essential, as these details often get lost or damaged over time.

Why is it hard to get Hermès Birkin?

The scarcity of this bag is a massive part of its reputation. Hermès' dedication to preserving the exclusivity of the Birkin is unmatched by any luxury fashion house. Hermès refuses to release the number of Birkin bags manufactured each year, limiting the exclusive supply to only the most elite group of consumers. This control over production and distribution keeps the desire for the bag alive, with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Drake proudly showcasing their collections.

The reality is that while deciding between 25cm and 30cm Birkin size, monotone or contrast stitching, Epsom, Chevre, or Togo leather, and whether to go for palladium or gold hardware, one most likely would have to wait a very long time before getting offered a Birkin bag at the Hermès store. Even then, chances are, the Birkin they get offered won't be what they initially imagined. Quite often, it is more of a "take it or leave it" situation with very little room for personal choice. That is, unless you are an Hermès elite client, in such case, your possibilities for personalization and participation in the design of your dream Birkin handbag are awe-inspiring.

Regardless of your status at Hermès, keep in mind that Hermès permits you to buy three quota bags a year. So even the most loyal customers with the highest pre-spend have no other choice than to either turn to the authentic Hermès resale websites and luxury vintage boutiques or keep personalizing their Birkins by decorating them with a new twilly, keychain, and trendy toys in contrast to the original minimalistic Hermès accessories (clochette, key, and lock) until next year kicks in.

Does Hermès Birkin have a strap?

Unlike many other luxury handbags, the Birkin bag does not have a shoulder strap, a feature that further sets it apart from the rest. Hermès designed the Birkin with a top handle meant to be carried by hand. This intentional design decision emphasizes the sophistication and exclusivity of the bag. Carrying a Birkin is about making a statement, with the sturdy leather handle resting confidently in the crook of your arm. Though some may prefer the convenience of a strap for shoulder carry, Hermès stays true to its vision of the Birkin as a timeless handbag, meant to be shown off in hand, with no need for additional straps to distract from its flawless craftsmanship.

Which Hermès bag is more valuable, Kelly or Birkin?

Both Kelly and Birkin are the most valuable and respected handbags one can ever think of. You can find both models being sold at some of the most prestigious auctions worldwide, which solidates their significant status. When it comes to value, the size is the indicator of price. (taken both models are made out of the same leather types)

Today, mini Kelly carries the highest resale value. However, when it comes to other sizes, Birkin tends to have a slighly higher resale price. (This still depends on the reseller, particular model, etc.)

Which Hermès bag is better, Birkin or Kelly?

Although asked often, this question has no right answer and, frankly, leads nowhere. When carrying Birkin or Kelly, one is already holding the royal crown of all luxury handbags, and nothing can top it off. So feel free to base your choice purely on personal preferences. Here are some pros and cons that might help you make up your mind:

Hermès Kelly Pros:

Unlike Birkin, Kelly comes with a shoulder strap, which might come in very handy.
Just like Birkin, Kelly comes with the iconic Hermès hardware in gold, brushed gold, rose gold, palladium, brushed palladium, and permabrass
Kelly has just one handle, meaning you'd be spending twice less money if decorating your Kelly with a Twilly.

Hermès Kelly Cons:

Kelly Retourne doesn't hold resale value as well as Kelly Sellier.
Due to its stiff Epsom leather, shape, and structure, Kelly is not as spacious as Birkin.
Due to its stiffness, you can't wear Kelly's flap on the interior side. Instead, you can keep your bag open with the flap sort of hanging outside.

Hermès Birkin Pros:

You can wear your handbag open, with the Birkin flap facing the interior. This tote style allows you to pack additional items.
Birkin has two handles, which means it is twice as much fun to style it with Hermès twillies.
It is Birkin.
Outside of Hermès appreciator's circle, the Birkin handbag tends to be more known.

Hermès Birkin Cons:

Birkin has no shoulder strap, meaning your hands are never free.
No matter the size, Birkin doesn't transform into an evening bag like the smaller sizes of Kelly, making Birkin a less universal handbag than Kelly.

What is the difference between Hermès Birkin and Kelly?

As for style, there are a few moments to consider when deciding whether you should purchase a Birkin or Kelly. If you want a handbag to be equally suitable for day and night, a mini Kelly and Kelly 25 are ideal. Both bags look glamorous at night and appropriately elegant in the daytime. However, the bigger the Kelly gets, the more conservative its appeal becomes. While larger Kellies are still as chic and luxe as one can only imagine, Kelly 28cm and Kelly 32cm have a more corporate look. So both are the perfect handbags to carry to the partners' meeting.

Birkin, on the other hand, has a different vibe. Even in its smallest size, it doesn't translate as a glamorous evening bag. (That is unless we are talking about limited Faubourg 20cm, custom, and exotic leather Birkins)

While this bag performs fabulously in many style variations, here are just a few:

Status bag for the corporate world, where your wardrobe is office-orientated.
Luxury meets casual. It is a perfect statement bag for an effortless and slightly masculine City Girl look.
Surprisingly, a Birkin in Chevre is a great companion to all your Zimmermann summer dresses.
There is no better airport look than the one with a Birkin.

Celebrities Carrying Hermès Birkin Bags

Hermès Birkin Bag Closets

Ever since the Birkin bag took off in the 90s, it has not slowed down, continuing to grow in price, popularity, and exclusivity. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Kris Jenner have made it a status symbol. Kate Moss has even been known to use a Birkin as a nappy bag, and Kris Jenner famously has a closet dedicated to her Birkin collection. This level of celebrity endorsement has elevated the Hermès Birkin into the stratosphere of luxury, solidifying its place as a cultural icon. Let's face it: we all love a bit of fashion gossip, and those spinning around Birkins are so juicy. Haven't you ever chatted with your bestie about how Drake is allegedly collecting Birkins for his future wife and how Kim Kardashian buys her friends Birkins, wishing you were one of them? Here at the LFA office, we still remember pictures from Kylie Jenner's birthday a couple of years ago, when she received the Himalaya Birkin as her birthday gift.

While carrying celebrity status broadens your options for the desirable Birkin handbag, it also opens doors to limited edition Birkins and custom orders. Just like the high-profile Hermès clients, celebrities can be offered to choose the leather type and color, whether they would like to have palladium, gold, permabrass, brushed gold, brushed palladium, or rose gold hardware (or even ruthenium and actual gold in top-status Birkins, those like Himalaya and Madame Faubourg), and customize the accessories, such as the Hermès clochette, key and lock.

How To Take Care of Your Birkin: Insurance and Maintenance

Once you have finally acquired your dream bag, ensuring its longevity is crucial. For peace of mind, ensuring your Birkin bag is highly recommended. Hermès Birkin bag insurance policies protect against potential damage, theft, and other unforeseen incidents. In addition, proper maintenance is critical. Regularly dusting the leather, storing the handbag in its original dust bag, leaving your Birkin out from time to time, allowing the leather to breathe, and preserving the hardware (scratches on both gold and palladium closures are quite visible), polishing and keeping the bag away from the sunlight will ensure that your Birkin remains in pristine condition. Ensuring the stitching, clochette, lock, and key remain intact will also help maintain its value. Explore our article on Hermès bag maintenance care to learn more about the specific type of leather your Birkin is made of and how to take care of your Birkin bag. The more you know, the better you can maintain your cherished handbag in top shape.

The Hermès Birkin bag remains the ultimate luxury accessory, with its unparalleled craftsmanship, exquisite attention to details, famous Hermès leathers, such as Togo, Chèvre, Boxcalf, Epsom, and exotic skins, and limited availability. Whether you carry it open or closed, with gold, rose gold, or palladium hardware, the Birkin is more than just a handbag; it's a symbol of status, sophistication, and timeless elegance. As the world's most coveted handbag, the Birkin remains at the apex of luxury fashion.

So, if you have reached your quota bags this year but our article has inspired you to do some Birkin shopping, we've got you covered! Our selection of pre-owned Hermès Birkin bags in various sizes, colors, leather, and hardware will please the pickiest Hermès handbag collector.