Unpacking all the pieces there’s to know concerning the Hermés Birkin bag worth is usually a little bit of a whirlwind—so strap in, as a result of we’re about to stroll you thru it. The Birkin is arguably probably the most well-known and coveted luxurious purse in the marketplace, and it isn’t the type of piece you possibly can go decide up in a retailer or order on-line on a whim. The Birkin bag is, in some ways, a contemporary standing image, and securing one for your self takes endurance, prowess, dedication and a lot of additional coin.
For anybody who’s ever added images of a Birkin bag to their Pinterest boards or sat and scrolled via pages and pages of Birkin resellers, you perceive simply how particular these luxurious baggage really are. For those who’re new to the Birkin sport, although, welcome. I do know it might sound a bit over-the-top at first, however when you study this bag’s iconic historical past, you’ll perceive why it’s so coveted (and so costly). As we enterprise down the rabbit gap that’s the world of Birkin bag pricing and historical past, you’ll see why, precisely, it has turn into probably the most sought-after accent of the final 4 a long time.
Preserve studying to seek out all the pieces you ever needed to know concerning the Birkin bag. Whether or not you’re merely fascinated with how one purse grew to become a sartorial standing fixture or really need the tea on methods to attain one for your self, there are solutions galore beneath.
What Makes A Birkin Bag So Particular?
The introduction of the Birkin bag dates again to the Nineteen Eighties, when Jean-Louis Dumas—the chief director of Hermés from 1978-2006—met the British actress Jean Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. After Birkin’s belongings all spilled out of her bag when she tried to place them within the overhead compartment (actually, relatable), she confided in Dumas that she’d by no means fairly discovered a leather-based weekender bag she really beloved.
So, in 1984, Jean-Louis Dumas designed a leather-based bag for her. Jean Birkin used the bag for some time, however ultimately stopped—resulting from the truth that she was carrying so many gadgets within the bag, it grew to become too heavy. At that time, although, it didn’t matter. The bag had already turn into a style must-have and standing image. Exclusivity positively performs a component in each the Birkin bag price and the explanations it’s so coveted—however it began with one worldwide flight.
How Many Birkin Luggage Exist?
In keeping with the New York Occasions in 2019, there at the moment are round one million Birkin baggage in existence. The information comes from Luca Solca, who’s a senior analyst for luxurious items at Bernstein (an organization that does funding analysis and administration)—nevertheless it’s not precisely what it appears. Sure, there are variety of Birkin baggage floating round, however many are from resellers and don’t come straight from Hermés. So though they’re genuine Birkin baggage, many have been bought (and oftentimes used) earlier than being bought to new consumers—and generally at the next price than the unique.
In the case of Birkin baggage straight from Hermés, you’ll have a a lot more durable time getting your arms on one. The luggage are made in restricted portions—round 12,000 per 12 months, in line with CNBC—and are usually reserved for elite shoppers.
#gallery-2 {
margin: auto;
}
#gallery-2 .gallery-item {
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: heart;
width: 50%;
}
#gallery-2 img {
border: 2px strong #cfcfcf;
}
#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {
margin-left: 0;
}
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
- Will/MEGA.
- Atlantic Pictures/MEGA.
Who Really Buys Birkin Luggage?
From rich style collectors to celebrities and actuality stars, loads of large names personal Birkin baggage. Whereas a number of common individuals might need saved as much as splurge on one (Most of us must save for years and years), many of the of us who purchase Birkin baggage have already got the money. As well as, most Birkin bag homeowners are A-list celebrities who love to indicate off their baggage on social media and in paparazzi images.
For those who search for them on social media, you possibly can positively discover loads of celebrities who’ve purchased baggage for themselves. You’ll seemingly see everybody from actuality stars just like the Kardashians and Jenners (and their children! Stormi has one, as does Cardi B’s daughter, Kulture.) to YouTuber and cosmetics firm proprietor Jefree Starr sporting these baggage on Instagram or whereas they’re out and about operating errands (So informal, proper?).
What If I Need To Purchase One?
Sadly, Birkin baggage aren’t one thing you possibly can simply order from the Hermés web site or pop into certainly one of their boutiques to buy. Although Hermés makes round 12,000 new baggage a 12 months, there’s a waitlist—which you’ll sit on for years with out ever getting authorised. For those who bear in mind the long-lasting second in Intercourse and the Metropolis when Samantha tries to lie her technique to entrance of the Birkin bag ready record, she finally ends up dropping the bag to her shopper, Lucy Liu. Sadly, this isn’t far off from actuality. Excessive-profile shoppers—like celebrities, socialites, athletes and different A-listers—are sometimes given precedence, and even they will have a tough time securing the precise fashion they need.
So Wait, How A lot Do They Price?
In 2019, a Hermès Himalaya Birkin bought for $500,000 (a record-breaking deal that truly occurred over social media, in line with Enterprise Insider)—however the price of a Birkin bag hasn’t gone above that. (Phew!) Even nonetheless, Birkin baggage are an funding piece, and may price round $12,000 on the low-end and $200,000 on the high-end. So, you’d want at least an additional $10k mendacity round earlier than you possibly can even suppose of buying your individual Birkin bag.
For those who’re not affected person sufficient to sit down on the waitlist—or don’t have tens of hundreds of {dollars} to spare—you possibly can at all times strive your luck on reseller websites like The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective and see what you discover. Often, there are used Birkin baggage underneath $10,000, so that you by no means know!
Can I Get A Comparable Look?
Happily, loads of designers have related baggage you possibly can store at a decrease price—and straight from their web site or retailer. Nobody loves a knockoff, however when you’re itching for a Birkin-esque construction with a high deal with and clasps, you possibly can positively discover it. Store the luggage beneath to get an identical look to that of the long-lasting Birkin bag.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to deliver fashion to the individuals, and we solely function merchandise we expect you’ll love as a lot as we do. Please notice that if you are going to buy one thing by clicking on a hyperlink inside this story, we could obtain a small fee of the sale.
Courtesy of Tory Burch.
This Tory Burch small bag has an identical silhouette to the Birkin bag—although the dimensions differs a bit. If you’d like a structured bag that isn’t too large (and underneath $1k), it is a stylish possibility.
Courtesy of Kate Spade.
This mini tote from Kate Spade is one other enjoyable possibility if you wish to get the search for much less. The highest deal with element is certainly harking back to the Birkin bag.
Courtesy of Tory Burch.
If it’s animal print you crave, do that Tory Burch snakeskin print bag. The structured silhouette and flat high deal with make it look effortlessly luxe.
Courtesy of Saint Laurent.
This attractive Saint Laurent bag is taken into account to be a Birkin copycat—however for method lower than you’d pay at Hermés. It’s nonetheless dear—even used—so begin saving!
