The Birkin bag is named after the English actress and singer Jane Birkin, and due to its high prices, desirability and hard to acquire factor, it surely represents wealth.
A little history…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkin_bag#cite_note-3
In 1981, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. She had just placed her straw bag in the overhead compartment of her seat, but the contents fell to the deck, leaving her to scramble to replace the contents. Birkin explained to Dumas that it had been difficult to find a leather weekend bag she liked. In 1984, he created a black supple leather bag for her,[2][3] based on an 1892 design. She used the bag for herself then later changed her mind, due to the fact that she was carrying too many things in it: “What’s the use of having a second one?” she laughs. “You only need one and that busts your arm; they’re bloody heavy. I’m going to have to have an operation for tendonitis in the shoulder.” [4] Nevertheless, the bag has since become an icon.
The bag has been renowned to have the longest waiting list of any accessory; Indeed the Birkin bag has had such an impact and strong demand that Hermès announced the retirement of the waiting list (April 2010) enabling the availability to all.
The Sizes available: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 50cm and the shoulder bag. It’s made by a team of artisans in France and Italy.
The bag is considered as an everyday bag, the structured bag and simplicity enables the versatility of wear from morning to evening. The type of leather used allows the bag to always stay relevant and on trend whether it is minimal, animalia, Olympia etc. This bag always makes a BOLD statement!!
The types of leathers used:
- Calf
The origin is European, normally from the south of France. The leathers include togo, clemence taurillon, Epsom, fjord and veau swift.
The soft calf leathers are togo and clemence taurillon the leathers are textured hence has a peppbled feel resisting scratches. The clemence is the softest out of the two.
Hermés black togo bag
Veau swift leather is soft and presents an increased elegance and is less practical for everyday use due to its smooth finish.
Hermés black veau swift bag 32 cm
Epsom and fjord leathers are tougher and last longer. The Fjord leather is textured and has the same appearance as the togo and clemence, Epsom is lightly textured and forms patterned pebbles.
Hermés Birkin fjord leather
Hermés Birkin epsom leather
2. Lizard
These are more popular in Asia and the USA; they normally come in small sizes (25cm) hence falls under the evening bag category.
Hermés Birkin lizard. This is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
3. Ostrich
They are normally produced in the 30cm size range and the dots are equally spaced cross the handbag.
Hermés Birkin ostrich.
4. Crocodile and Alligator
This style which is the most desired and expensive piece, can sell up to £100,000. Hence why the style is seen as a collector’s item. Only customers that show their loyalty to the brand are able to get the opportunity to purchase the piece but may even be waiting for at least 3 years.
The two types of crocodile are the nilocitus and the porosus. The nilocitus originates from Somalia, and the porosus from Northern Australian. Porosus are seen to have the exclusivity factor and holds the most value in selling price.
Hermés Birkin matte amethyst crocodile
Hermés Birkin porosus crocodile gold hardware.
The bags come in either matte or shiny finishes. However the matte is more volatile in water.
Hermés Birkin matte alligator
Alligator originates from the United States and are less expensive in comparison to the crocodiles. The scales are different but only an expert will be able to differentiate this detail.
The common metalware in use is silver palladium however mature customers only opt for Gold.
Hermés Birkin black gold hardware
Birkin bags will always remain relevant due to the quality of this product, and it will also hit the headlines such as this article :-D…
>>>>SEE THIS!!!<<<<
Celeb Birkin Spotting:
Olivia Palerno with her gorgeous tan Birkin.
Kimora Lee Simmons beautifully pulled off this blue Birkin.
Victoria Beckham a huge fan of the Birkin sporting one of her many.
Kim Kardashian looking fab with her fav accessory!!
What Birkin is your favourite? Let us know what you think in the comment box below….
Thanks so much … and as always stay loyal our beautifuls!! Xxxx Mwah