Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Birkin Bags: "Classy and Fabulous"


Coco Chanel said "a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." Birkin bags are both.

The Birkin bag has been an icon of luxury for over 30 years now but the story behind this popular handbag is also an interesting one. In 1981 English actress Jane Birkin found herself sitting on a plane beside Jean-Louis Dumas, the chairman and artistic director of Hermes. After dropping her straw bag and spilling the contents, Birkin complained that she had not been able to find a suitable overnight bag. Dumas decided to design a handbag just for Jane, and the rest is history.

Since 1984 the Birkin bag has evolved from a black leather bag to one that comes in virtually every color of the rainbow, various styles, and materials ranging from calf leather to lizard. The bag is available in two large travel sizes--one with a shoulder strap for ease in carrying--and it also comes in at least four smaller sizes as well. 






The variety of colors and textures available make the Birkin bag one that can be customized for a unique look. Bags made of calf leather are perfect for everyday, while ostrich bags or those made from reptiles are more exotic. The most exclusive bag is made from the porosus crocodile found in Western Australia.

Every bag has a lock and keys that make it recognizable as a Birkin. The hardware on the handbag is plated with gold or palladium to keep it from tarnishing. Hardware is also customizable and some Birkin bags are even embellished with diamonds.

Although these lovely bags are popular and highly sought after, don't expect the see a Birkin bag on the arm of every woman. A Birkin bag can have a price tag higher than an automobile. Prices for these luxurious bags begin at around $9000 and go up to over $150,000. The cost is attributed to the high quality craftsmanship that goes into each one. Each bag is individually sewn with the "saddle-stich", another feature that sets it apart from other handbags, and then buffed, painted, polished and embellished.

Those who are lucky enough to be in the market for one of these fabulous bags will be happy to know that the five-year waiting period that once made Birkins difficult to obtain is now a thing of the past. Today you can walk out of Hermes fashion house with the Birkin bag of your choice--or if you are not going to Paris anytime soon you can always order one on the internet. With the high quality construction and classic style, you can rest assured that your beautiful Birkin handbag will last longer than your car!

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