Hermès Birkin
The Hermès Birkin is one of the most coveted handbags in the world and embodies French craftsmanship, timeless elegance and exceptional quality. This legendary model was created in 1984, inspired by a chance encounter between the actress Jane Birkin and the then Hermès chairman, Jean-Louis Dumas. Its distinctive features include the striking trapezium-shaped silhouette, the two sturdy leather handles, the side straps and the signature twist lock. Its unmistakable design makes the Birkin one of the most recognisable symbols of international luxury fashion.
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Hermès Birkin – Sizes & Styles
| Size | Dimensions (W x H x D) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birkin 20 / Mini Birkin | approx. 20 x 15 x 11 cm | A rare miniature version with a particularly compact silhouette. Ideal for small essentials and special occasions. Particularly interesting as an exclusive collector’s item. |
| Birkin 25 | approx. 25 x 20 x 13 cm | A compact, elegant Birkin for everyday use and special occasions. A particularly sought-after size with room for a smartphone, wallet and personal essentials. |
| Birkin 30 | approx. 30 x 22 x 16 cm | A classic medium size offering a perfect balance between elegance and functionality. Ideal as a versatile everyday bag with a spacious interior. |
| Birkin 35 | approx. 35 x 25 x 18 cm | The original classic size of the Birkin. Spacious and particularly suitable for everyday use, business and shopping. Often found in vintage models. |
| Birkin 40 | approx. 40 x 30 x 21 cm | A large Birkin with plenty of storage space and a distinctive silhouette. Particularly suitable as a business bag, travel bag or large everyday bag. |
Styles & Designs
| Variant | Material | Character & Style | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin Retourne | Often Togo, Taurillon Clémence, Swift or other types of leather | Classic Birkin with a soft, relaxed silhouette and timeless elegance. | Inset stitching, rounded edges and a softer shape. The traditional Birkin construction. |
| Birkin Sellier | Often Epsom or other dimensionally stable leathers | Structured, elegant and particularly formal with a clearly defined silhouette. | External stitching, sharp edges and a distinctly geometric shape. |
| Birkin Togo | Naturally grained calfskin | Sporty yet elegant, versatile and particularly suitable for everyday use. | Distinctive grain, relatively dimensionally stable and resistant to minor signs of wear. |
| Birkin Taurillon Clémence | Soft, coarsely grained cowhide | A relaxed, luxurious look with a particularly supple feel. | Soft texture, pronounced grain and, over time, often a more relaxed silhouette. |
| Birkin Epsom | Embossed calfskin with a fine texture | Modern, elegant and particularly dimensionally stable. | Relatively light, textured surface and particularly common on Sellier models. |
| Birkin Box Calf | Smooth, glossy calfskin | Classic elegance with a refined, glossy finish. Particularly striking on vintage models. | Develops a characteristic patina over time. Scratches may be visible on the smooth surface. |
| Birkin Swift | Soft, finely textured calfskin | Supple, elegant and with particularly rich colour. | Fine surface, soft to the touch and more susceptible to visible scratches. |
| Birkin Exotic Leather | Depending on the model: crocodile, alligator, ostrich or lizard leather | Particularly exclusive luxury versions with an extraordinary material effect. | Rare materials, distinctive finishes and, in some cases, very high collector’s value. |
| Birkin Cargo | Canvas with leather details | Sporty, functional and modern with an unusual design. | Additional external pockets, some detachable elements and striking combinations of materials. |
| Birkin HAC / Haut à Courroies | Various types of leather and material combinations | A historic travel bag model with a particularly striking, tall silhouette. | A taller bag body, different proportions and shorter handles. A distinct model family and the historical predecessor to the Birkin. |
| Special Order & Limited Editions | Different types of leather, colour combinations and special materials | Unique, rare designs for enthusiasts and collectors. | Special colour combinations, distinctive Hardware, limited-edition designs and, for certain special orders, a horseshoe stamp. |
Special Notes
- Historical origins: The Hermès Birkin was developed in 1984 following a meeting between Jane Birkin and the then Hermès CEO, Jean-Louis Dumas. Today, it is one of the world’s most famous luxury handbags.
- Birkin vs. Kelly: The Birkin has two fixed handles and a more open, wider silhouette. The classic Kelly has a single handle and is often fitted with a shoulder strap as well.
- Sellier vs. Retourne: The Birkin Sellier has external stitching and an angular, structured shape. The classic Birkin Retourne has internal stitching and a softer silhouette.
- Size designation: The numbers 25, 30, 35 and 40 refer approximately to the width of the bag in centimetres.
- Characteristic fastening: Typical features include the two leather straps (sangles), the twist lock (touret) and the padlock (cadenas).
- Wearing options: The classic Birkin is carried by the two handles, either in the hand or in the crook of the arm. It does not usually have a shoulder strap.
- Hardware: Gold-coloured Hardware (Gold Hardware / GHW) and palladium-coloured Hardware (Palladium Hardware / PHW) are particularly common.
- Interior: The classic Birkin features a spacious interior with additional internal compartments. The exact layout may vary depending on the size and version.
- Dating: Hermès uses embossed codes that provide clues as to the year of manufacture. The coding system has been modified several times over the years.
- Vintage models: When inspecting second-hand Birkin bags, particular attention should be paid to the leather edges, corners, handles, clasp, lining and the condition of the Hardware.
- Accessories: Depending on the model and what is included, the bag may come with a lock, key, clochette, dust bag and rain cover.
- Exotic leathers: Bags made from protected animal species may be subject to specific conservation regulations and trade restrictions.
- Model differences: Dimensions, leather types, Hardware and features may vary depending on the year of manufacture, size and collection.