PART 1 👜Birkin: The Handbag That Costs More Than Your House

16 snips

Sep 2, 2025

Discover the fascinating origins of the iconic Birkin handbag, born from a chance encounter on a flight. Explore how Hermès turned innovation and scarcity into luxury gold, making this bag a coveted status symbol. Learn about its rise to fame, including its notable appearance in pop culture and how it surpassed the stock market. Dive into amusing anecdotes from Jane Birkin's glamorous life, and uncover the secrets behind the soaring demand and exorbitant prices of this legendary fashion item.

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ANECDOTE

The Wicker Basket That Started It

Jane Birkin was famous for carrying a woven wicker basket as her everyday bag, a staple of her public image.
Her wicker basket was later run over by a boyfriend, leaving her to travel with an unorganized tote that led to the plane encounter.

ANECDOTE

Jane Accepted The Named Gift

Hermès presented Jane with a cardboard prototype and later offered her a finished calfskin Birkin as a gift.
Jane accepted the naming honor and even receives an annual royalty she donates to charities.

INSIGHT

Function Drove The Original Design

The original Birkin launched as a roomy practical tote inspired by the Kelly but much larger, offered in measured sizes like 35 and 40.
That functional design appealed to jet-setting consumers who wanted a secure, spacious luxury bag.

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