Why are Hermès Birkin bags so insanely expensive? (2024)

FAQs

Why is a Hermes Birkin so expensive? ›

It's a work of art. As a fashion house, Hermès prides itself on championing craftsmanship above all else. Hermès' belief is 'one craftsman, one bag', and as such each Birkin is made by a single artisan from start to finish in one of their dedicated ateliers, a process which takes approximately 40 hours in total.

What makes these bags so special? Birkin and Kelly bags are specially made purses designed with high quality materials, including cow, lizard, and luxurious ostrich, as well as various types of crocodile skin. They are dyed a wide array of colors and feature palladium or gold hardware that accents the bag perfectly.

The two main reasons why Hermès is so expensive are the quality of its products and their exclusivity. In addition to sourcing the finest quality materials, Hermès employs only the best craftspeople to create its merchandise.

The Hermès Birkin bag is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the world of fashion. The iconic Birkin bag story began in 1984 when actress and singer Jane Birkin met Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London.

Rosmah Mansor, the second wife of Najib Razak, former prime minister of Malaysia, is claimed to have the largest Birkin collection in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions. Who owns the most expensive bag? One of the most expensive clutches in the world belongs to Chinese actress and singer Li Bingbing, whose Cleopatra clutch uses 1,600 white diamonds valued at 40 karats. The clutch also has pink diamonds and pink gold was used to engrave her name on it.

If you can afford it, it's a worthy investment. A 2017 study revealed that the Birkin's value has increased by 500 per cent in the last 35 years, and according to a 2020 report by Knight Frank, an investment in the bag is better than stocks or gold.

To buy a Birkin directly from Hermès, customers must have a purchase history with the brand. Hermès only allows boutiques to purchase a select number of Birkins on a bi-annual basis and the style of Birkin bag delivered to boutiques is rarely known ahead of time.

Infamous for its exceptional craftsmanship and jaw-dropping price that continues to rise, it has become the most iconic it bag worldwide. Hermès has triumphed in maintaining the bag's untouchable reputation, as one of the world's most desirable luxury handbags, the Birkin has always been the ultimate symbol of status.

The short answer is yes, Hermes is cheaper in Paris by roughly 15-30% depending on the item you purchase! If you are purchasing a Birkin 30 you will save over $4,000 if you purchase it in Paris!

What is the cheapest Birkin? ›

The more attainable Birkins, cheapest birkin bag price can start from around $10,000 and reach up to $250,000 for the more high-end designs.

How Much Does a Birkin Bag Cost? "As of 2022, the retail prices for the most popular models are around $10,145 for a Birkin 25, $11,200 for a Birkin 30, and $12,450 for a Bikin 35. These vary by country and tax rate," Rose explains.

The Niloticus Crocodile Himalayan Birkin is no doubt a bag of billionaires. Both of the two billionaires of the family, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, have shown off a Niloticus Crocodile Himalayan Birkin 30 on special occasions as well as on their social media.

There is no “set amount” that you must spend to be offered a Birkin or Kelly in the US. Also, it is unlikely that an Hermes SA will tell you a specific amount that you must spend.

But due to the style's exclusive nature, the singer, said she paid “triple” for the purchase — meaning she likely spent up to $240,000 on her new purse. “I wanted this f—king Birkin so bad.

The rarity of the Birkin, and also the brand's Kelly bags, is one of the reasons they are so widely coveted. Annual price hikes – the start of 2023 saw an 8-10 per cent increase across Birkin and Kelly styles – mean the bags are naturally an investment if they are bought with a long-term view in mind.

The problem isn't only that Hermès makes it very difficult to get your hands on a Birkin, but it also limits the number of Birkins you can buy per year. This hyper-limited supply and pent-up demand have created a robust resale market.

In 2020, Elle reported that Jenner's collection includes 13 Birkin bags and 10 Kelly bags. But mother-of-two and PR maven Jacenko owns more than 30 Hermès Birkin bags, according to Yahoo! Lifestyle. Let's delve right into the battle of the Birkins …