The Hermès Birkin is one of the most iconic and coveted luxury handbags in the world. Here are ten things to know about its creation and history:

The Birkin bag was created in 1984 by French luxury fashion house Hermès. The idea for the bag came about when Jean-Louis Dumas, the then-CEO of Hermès, sat next to actress and singer Jane Birkin on a flight. Jane expressed her frustration with not finding a practical yet stylish handbag, and the concept for the Birkin was born.

Each Birkin bag is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in Hermès’ ateliers. It takes numerous hours and requires the expertise of multiple craftsmen to create a single bag. The exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail contribute to its legendary status.

The Birkin is renowned for its exclusivity and limited availability. Hermès controls the production and distribution of the bags, making them highly coveted and difficult to obtain. The scarcity of Birkins adds to their allure and often leads to long waiting lists. Birkin bags also come in limited editions such as the Cargo Birkin, the Shadow Birkin, the Rainbow Birkin and the exclusive Faubourg Birkin to name a few.

The Birkin features a timeless and classic design characterized by clean lines, a structured silhouette, and minimalistic hardware. Its simple yet elegant aesthetic has made it a symbol of timeless luxury and sophistication.

Birkin bags are available in a wide range of materials, including luxurious leathers like Togo, Clemence, Epsom, and the coveted Barenia, as well as exotic skins such as crocodile, lizard and ostrich. The happy few, a handful of selected buyers also have the opportunity to customize their Birkin, if that is handbag they choose, through special order. This highly prized process allows one to select the leather type, color (single, verso or bi-color), stitch color and hardware finish, within the offerings of the season and the limits provided by the atelier.

One of the distinctive features of the Birkin is its signature turn-lock closure, known as the “Hermès twist lock.” The lock is not only functional but also adds a touch of elegance to the bag’s design.

The Birkin comes in various sizes, ranging from 25cm to 50cm, accommodating different needs and preferences. The most popular sizes are 30cm and 35cm, offering a balance between practicality and style. The newest 20cm size is currently available for the rare and limited Faubourg edition.

Birkin bags are known for their high price tags, often reaching five or six figures, depending on the materials and customization. However, they are also considered investment pieces, as their value tends to appreciate over time, making them sought-after collector’s items.

The Birkin has gained significant popularity among celebrities and has been seen on the arms of many influential figures, including Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Jane Birkin herself. These celebrity endorsements further fuel the bag’s desirability.

The Hermès Birkin has transcended the world of fashion and become a cultural symbol of status, luxury and exclusivity. It has been featured in films, referenced in song lyrics, and has a significant presence in pop culture, solidifying its place as an icon in the fashion industry.

The Hermès Birkin is a testament to the timeless allure of luxury craftsmanship and has achieved legendary status as one of the most iconic handbags ever created. Its rich history, meticulous craftsmanship and exclusivity continue to fascinate and captivate fashion enthusiasts and collectors around the globe.