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the Birkin Bag

You have bags and designer bags. But above that, at a lonely height, float the bags of Hermès. The most famous of their collection is the Birkin, the most expensive and exclusive bag out there with waiting lists that have sometimes been as long as six years.

The mess of Jane Birkin

The Birkin was born when Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to Jane Birkin on the flight from Paris to London. Jane tried to put her wicker bag in the overhead luggage compartment, but all her belongings fell onto the airplane floor, and Jane had to get down on her hands and knees to gather all her stuff. Meanwhile, complaining that she just couldn't find the ideal weekend bag. That seed was planted, you understand, and Jean-Louis got to work.

Ungrateful Jane

The bag was made. A logo-less example that would go down in history as the most recognizable and exclusive bag out there. It varies in price from €4000, and one has even been sold for €203,150. Jane remained a rock chic and covered hers with stickers. She also always wore it casually open, which has become the blueprint for how to carry this bag. Very. Casually. As if those eight thousand euros don't interest you at all. That's how you wear it. Ironically, Jane was quite quickly done with the bag. Too heavy was her verdict. “I need shoulder surgery if I keep hauling this bag around.” Okay, then give it to me, I would say.

Exclusivity above all

Hermès bags are made from the finest leather. The saltwater crocodile skin is the most expensive of all. Unique to the Birkin is that the inside is also completely lined with leather. Disadvantage, indeed Jane, it does make it a bit heavy. But hey, you do train your upper arms right away.

Spa treatment for the bags

For overheated Birkins, the company Hermès offers a spa treatment after which the bag returns to you completely rejuvenated and refreshed.

Waiting lists are for fools

In the past, the Birkin had waiting times of up to six years. In 2010, Hermès officially stated that there are no more waiting lists and that, unless you order a made-to-measure example, you can take your bag home immediately. It is sometimes whispered that the house of Hermès claims there is a waiting list to keep out the wrong types they would rather not see with their bag, hoping they will go shopping at the neighbors. So remember, if they say there is a waiting list, oh dear, wrong business. Then they don't want you, and it's their polite way of showing you the door.

Kelly or Birkin

The other famous Hermès bag is the Kelly bag. Right, named after Grace Kelly. I'll teach you a simple mnemonic to see the difference. The Kelly has only one handle, the Birkin two.