BAZAAR

THE BIRKINThe Birkin bag, named for its stylish originator Jane Birkin, was introduced in1984, and is Hermès’s most coveted style to date. Yet it is impossible to discuss theBirkin without also mentioning the importance of its predecessor, the Kelly.Nicknamed during the 1950s for one of its most famous and fashionable wearers,Grace Kelly, the handbag was irst introduced in the 1930s. However, the originsof its design go back even further—to the late 19th century, when a larger butsimilarly-styled bag was produced as luggage.While the Birkin resembles the Kelly, it is a larger, tote-style bag that is intendedto be more functional. Its creation was the result of serendipity: On a light fromPar is to London, Jane Birkin was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, who was thenHermès’s chief executive ocer. When Birkin’s possessions spilled from her handbagon to the loor, she and Dumas discussed the components of a bag that would bepractical, fashionable, and ideal for a jet-set lifestyle. Each Birkin takes 18 to 24hours to craft by hand, and customers may wait years to receive their order—ifthey are deemed worthy enough to be put on a waiting list at all.Colleen^ Hill,^ curatorofcostumeand(^) accessories(^) at T h e M useum(^) atLO VE E T E R N A LFIT,^ New York, (^) traces(^) thehistoriesoffouriconic(^) ha n d b a g sHERMÈS