The Birkin Obsession: Why?

The Birkin bag by Hermès is more than a luxury item—it’s a global phenomenon. First designed in the 1980s after a chance meeting between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, the bag has since become the most coveted handbag in the world.

Crafted by hand in France, a single Birkin can take up to 40 hours to complete, using premium leather, hand-polished hardware, and centuries-old craftsmanship techniques.

Prices start at around $10,000 and regularly exceed six figures, especially in the resale market where scarcity increases value. Hermès does not openly sell Birkins in-store; instead, access is offered to loyal clients through private channels. Some customers report needing to “prespend” thousands on other Hermès items to qualify.

The bag’s exclusivity has fueled its mythos in pop culture, from music videos to fashion editorials. Online forums track availability and strategies, while auction houses like Sotheby’s regularly break records with rare models.