THE BIRKIN
The Birkin bag, named for its stylish originator Jane Birkin, was introduced in
1984, and is Hermès’s most coveted style to date. Yet it is impossible to discuss the
Birkin 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 origins
of its design go back even further—to the late 19th century, when a larger but
similarly-styled bag was produced as luggage.
While the Birkin resembles the Kelly, it is a larger, tote-style bag that is intended
to be more functional. Its creation was the result of serendipity: On a light from
Par is to London, Jane Birkin was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, who was then
Hermès’s chief executive ocer. When Birkin’s possessions spilled from her handbag
on to the loor, she and Dumas discussed the components of a bag that would be
practical, fashionable, and ideal for a jet-set lifestyle. Each Birkin takes 18 to 24
hours to craft by hand, and customers may wait years to receive their order—if
they are deemed worthy enough to be put on a waiting list at all.
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