The Elusive Birkin
History of Hermes
Thierry Hermès, a skilled harness maker, opened his workshop in Paris in1837, near the royal court. His primary focus was making high-quality saddles, harnesses, and other leather goods for the elite and royalty. His craftsmanship quickly gained a reputation for its attention to detail and excellence, leading to increased demand.
As the business grew, in the late 19th century, Hermès expanded its product range beyond saddles to include items like luggage and bags. In the 1870s, after Thierry’s death, his son, Charles-Émile Hermès, took over the company and continued expanding the product offerings, focusing on leather goods, including some of the first luxury travel bags. Under his leadership, Hermès also began selling luxury accessories, including scarves, gloves, and belts.
Hermes Ad Hermes Scarf Hermes Belt
1930s – The Birth of the "Kelly" Bag
In 1935, Hermès introduced its first handbag, which would later become one of the brand's most famous items. Known initially as the "Sac à dépêches," this bag became iconic when actress and princess Grace Kelly was photographed carrying it, leading to it being renamed the Kelly bag in her honor. The bag was known for its impeccable craftsmanship, elegant design, and practicality, and it quickly became one of the most coveted luxury handbags in the world.
1940s-1950s – The Birkin Bag and Continued Growth
In the 1950s, another iconic product was introduced: the Birkin bag. The story goes that actress Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès' creative director, Jean-Louis Dumas, on a flight from Paris to London. Birkin complained about the lack of a stylish, practical handbag, and Dumas subsequently created the Birkin bag for her. It soon became a symbol of exclusivity and luxury, beloved by celebrities and socialites worldwide.
Exclusive Elusive Birkin
In the 21st century, Hermès has maintained its position as one of the world’s leading luxury brands. Despite global economic challenges, it has continued to thrive by staying true to its tradition of craftsmanship while embracing new innovations. The Birkin bag remains one of the most coveted and expensive handbags in the world, often associated with wealth and exclusivity.
In recent years, Hermès has maintained its commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring that all its products are made by skilled artisans using the finest materials. The brand has also focused on sustainability, with some products being produced using ethically sourced materials.
Craftsmanship and Materials
The Birkin bag is made using only the highest-quality materials, and every single piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. These bags are handmade, with each one taking many hours (sometimes up to 18 hours) to complete. Some of the materials used include:
Exclusivity and Limited Supply
Hermès controls the production of Birkin bags very strictly, limiting their availability. The brand deliberately produces fewer bags than there is demand for, creating a sense of exclusivity. Some of the key reasons for this are:
Waiting Lists
One of the main reasons Birkins are hard to find is because of the waitlists that customers must join to purchase one. These waitlists can sometimes be several years long. The brand’s strategy is to maintain the bag’s rarity by limiting its availability.
Selective Distribution
Hermès does not mass-produce or sell Birkin bags online, making them even more desirable and harder to obtain. Bags are typically sold through Hermès boutiques, and often, the sale of a Birkin bag is contingent on having a relationship with the brand, often requiring customers to purchase other items from Hermès first.
Investment Value
The Birkin bag is not just a luxury accessory—it has also become an investment piece. Because of the brand’s strict production limits, Birkins often appreciate in value over time. In fact, some Birkins have been known to increase in value on the resale market, sometimes outperforming traditional investments like stocks or real estate. Rare models, especially those made with exotic leathers or unique colors, can fetch significantly higher prices.
Many buyers see the Birkin not just as a luxury item, but as a way to diversify their portfolio. This demand for the bag as an investment also adds to its exclusivity and high price.