The Hermès Birkin bag is arguably the most iconic handbag in the world—but how much do you really know about it? Here are 7 facts that might surprise you.
1. The first Birkin bag design was sketched on an airplane sick bag.
This iconic bag originated from a chance encounter between actress Jane Birkin and then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London in 1984. The 34-year-old actress found herself seated next to Dumas. When her legendary basket bag spilled onto the floor while placing it in the overhead compartment, the iconic moment was set.
In a 2012 interview with Vogue, Jane Birkin recalled: "When everything fell out of my handbag, the man next to me said, 'You should have a handbag with pockets.' I replied, 'The day Hermès makes a handbag with pockets, I will have it.' He responded, 'I am Hermès, and I will make pockets for you!'" Jane then sketched the first Birkin bag design on a sick bag, and he promised to create it for her.
2. Jane only owned "five" Birkin bags
Even though Jane Birkin inspired this iconic bag, she only owned five throughout her life. She always carried just one, donating the previous one to charity whenever she acquired a new bag.
Conversely, the largest collection reportedly belongs to Singaporean influencer Jamie Chua, who had more than 200 Hermès bags in her wardrobe as of 2022, most of which are Birkins.
3. Hermès paid Jane only a symbolic fee for using her name
Initially, Jane Birkin received only a free bag for her contribution. Later, Hermès began paying her approximately $40,000 annually, which she consistently donated to charity.
4. You can't just walk into a boutique and buy a Birkin
The purchasing process for a Birkin bag is quite complicated. While the official waiting list at physical stores no longer exists, customers typically need to build a purchase history with Hermès before acquiring a Birkin.
5. Only about 200,000 Birkin bags are reportedly in circulation
Although demand for Birkin bags continuously rises, Hermès maintains limited production. It’s estimated that only 12,000 to 70,000 Birkin bags are produced annually, contributing significantly to their increasing value.
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6. What sizes of Birkin exist?
The Birkin bag comes in various sizes to meet different preferences and needs. Let's introduce them:
Birkin 25 (length 25 cm, width 13 cm, height 20 cm): This is the smallest and rarest Birkin size, known for its compact and delicate look. It’s perfect for daily use and special occasions, comfortably fitting a small wallet, phone, lipstick, and perfume.
Birkin 30 (length 30 cm, width 26 cm, height 24 cm): The size 30 is a versatile choice, spacious enough for everyday essentials while maintaining an elegant, stylish appearance. It accommodates a larger wallet, water bottle, phone, diary, keys, and a small cosmetic bag.
Birkin 35 (length 35 cm, width 18 cm, height 28 cm): Ideal for daily wear, this was the original size designed specifically for Jane Birkin. It’s roomy enough to hold a laptop and all necessities. If you pack lightly, it can even suffice for an overnight trip.
Birkin 40 (length 40 cm, width 21 cm, height 30 cm): This largest available Birkin size is popular among men as well. Its generous dimensions allow you to carry almost anything you can imagine, making it suitable as a travel bag. It is also the least popular and therefore least produced size.
7. A handbag as an investment
It may sound unbelievable, but today, the Birkin bag is considered one of the most profitable investments. Due to the factors mentioned above, the Birkin has become the most sought-after handbag in history. Prices for these bags increase by several percent annually. Between 1980 and 2016, their value rose by an average of 14% per year, whereas gold prices increased by "only" 1.9%.
Although the starting price for classic models is around CZK 250,000, unique pieces can reach prices in the millions. In 2022, a Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30 sold at auction for over CZK 10 million. The most expensive Birkin ever sold privately was reportedly the 2008 Ginza Tanaka Birkin, valued at $1.9 million.
If you proudly own the iconic Birkin bag, you have more than just a fashion masterpiece—you possess one of the smartest investments for the future. Such an investment requires proper care, and Popona is here to help. Our handbag organizers keep everything tidy and protect your bag's leather interior. Pillow inserts maintain the bag's perfect shape during storage. Protective films and metal feet covers shield metallic elements from scratches. Our rain covers ensure your bag stays protected from unexpected weather.
