The Iconic Birkin Bag

August 5th, 2019

The timeless and effortlessly chic Birkin Bag has been and will forever be the staple of the Hermès brand. This accessory is more than just another purse as it has been ingrained in the fashion world as a status symbol due to its popularity and scarcity. From Kim Kardashian West to Lady Gaga, the Birkin Bag has become the ‘it’ bag in fashion since the early 1990s and will continue to be the bag in fashion for years to come.

But where did this iconic bag get this start?

A Birkin Bag was created by the then chairman of the Hermès group, Jean-Louis Dumas, for English actress Jane Birkin because Jane, a mother and actress, could not find a bag that was large enough to carry everything she needed for her daughter. She reportedly poured the contents of her purse onto a small table on an airplane to demonstrate her point. Dumas quickly acted by crafting the iconic purse on an airline sick bag. Dumas crafted the bag in an oversized holdall style and added some individual characteristics like “a polished plaque, swivel clasp, and Hermès’ signature saddle stitching.”

And why did this bag become such an icon in fashion?

The Birkin Bag became the “it” bag of fashion in the 1990s due to its craftsmanship, exclusivity, and celebrity status. The craftsmanship is unparalleled. Crafting one Birkin bag takes one highly skilled artisan nearly 48 hours. This means that the factory can only produce 15 a month because of the intricate process.

Because each bag takes so long to craft, there was, at one time, a waiting list for the bag. This ‘waiting list’ and the small quantity that they produce create artificial scarcity, which inflates the value of the bag. Another reason why this bag is so exclusive is that Hermès does not release how many bags it sells each year, further adding to its exclusive status.

It has been said that investing in a Birkin bag can be safer than investing in the stock market. Investing in a Birkin bag can show you annual returns of 14.2% between the years 1980 and 2015. Because the quality of these bags is so good, a bag that is 5, 10, or even 15 years old can still be sold for more than 80% of what the previous owner invested. A Hermès bag is unique from any other luxury item because it will almost always appreciate in value. In the long run, they can be safer and more valuable than diamonds, gold, silver, or even the stock market.

Is it a worthwhile buy?

Of course! A Birkin bag will stand the test of time and not just through quality. The bag will always be in style and will be worth more after purchase. It is a meaningful and valuable purchase if you are lucky enough to get your hands on the very limited supply.

Always Busy,

Sam