Article | Is the Birkin for you? | reviews.ebay.com
Hermes creates some of the world's finest handbags, including the ever-elusive and oh-so-coveted Birkin bag.
But is it for you? First, a bit of background...
The Birkin has evolved since it's inception as the Haut A Courrois (aka HAC), a taller version of the Birkin model that was essentially designed as a travel piece. Legend has it that in 1984, British actress Jane Birkin inspired the company to evolve the HAC into the shorter two-handled shopping bag - and so the Birkin was born.
If you're interested in a Birkin, you should understand all of your options :) Potential buyers should understand the sizes available, the overall design - and of course, the choice of skins and prices before taking the plunge.
Size:
The Birkin comes in several sizes (25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 42cms) and the HAC comes in two sizes, 28 and 32cm.
The 25, 30 and both HAC sizes are designed to be carried in your hands. Unless you are super-skinny, don't expect to carry the 25 or 30cm anywhere besides your hand!
The 35 and 40cm Birkin bags are meant to be carried at the crook of one's elbow or in one's hand. Again - unless you have extraordinarily slender arms, don't expect to carry either of these bags on your shoulder.
The 45cm is basically designed for travel and is also meant to be carried in your hands.
The only true shoulder bag in the Birkin line is the 42cm JPG Birkin. The 42cm bag is the exception to the "crook of elbow" or "hands" design - and was introduced in 2004 by Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermes. The "JPG" version is shorter than it's Birkin and HAC counterparts, but with longer handles which allows for it's carriage on one's shoulder.
Design:
Each Birkin has a flap which extends from the back of the bag and is meant to fasten it closed on the front. As such, many women will often allow the flap to fold into the bag - and just carry it "open". It's much easier than pulling the flap over the top of the bag and then toggling the clasp to close the bag!
All Birkins have interior pockets - usually one large zippered compartment and another open flap compartment.
The JPG Birkin, again, is the exception to this rule and contains NO inner pockets (an issue for some people). It also has oversized hardware (the lock, keys, and clochette are much larger than the Birkin and HAC bags).
Hermes leathers are some of the best in the world, and as a result, some of them can be EXTRAORDINARILY heavy to carry. For example, the JPG in Clemmence is one sturdy - and heavy - bag. Imagine what it's like with when you fill it's 42cm with your personal items! Know this and be ready to deal with it before you buy.
So is the Birkin worth the money? And how much do they typically run?
Well as you’ll see from eBay, Birkin’s are probably the most popular design, and therefore command some of the highest prices. Depending upon the size and skin, prices typically range from anywhere between $6000 and $40,000USD.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that Birkin holds its value – which is always good if you decide to resell your bag.
So is the Birkin the right bag for you?
Well, if you don’t mind a bag that, for all intents and purposes, cannot be carried on your shoulder, then you’ll probably love the Birkin. If you like the look and don't mind a bag that is somewhat heavy, then look at the JPG Birkin. If you like a small bag - and don't mind carrying it in your hands, then check out the 25 or 30cm Birkin.
But is it for you? First, a bit of background...
The Birkin has evolved since it's inception as the Haut A Courrois (aka HAC), a taller version of the Birkin model that was essentially designed as a travel piece. Legend has it that in 1984, British actress Jane Birkin inspired the company to evolve the HAC into the shorter two-handled shopping bag - and so the Birkin was born.
If you're interested in a Birkin, you should understand all of your options :) Potential buyers should understand the sizes available, the overall design - and of course, the choice of skins and prices before taking the plunge.
Size:
The Birkin comes in several sizes (25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 42cms) and the HAC comes in two sizes, 28 and 32cm.
The 25, 30 and both HAC sizes are designed to be carried in your hands. Unless you are super-skinny, don't expect to carry the 25 or 30cm anywhere besides your hand!
The 35 and 40cm Birkin bags are meant to be carried at the crook of one's elbow or in one's hand. Again - unless you have extraordinarily slender arms, don't expect to carry either of these bags on your shoulder.
The 45cm is basically designed for travel and is also meant to be carried in your hands.
The only true shoulder bag in the Birkin line is the 42cm JPG Birkin. The 42cm bag is the exception to the "crook of elbow" or "hands" design - and was introduced in 2004 by Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermes. The "JPG" version is shorter than it's Birkin and HAC counterparts, but with longer handles which allows for it's carriage on one's shoulder.
Design:
Each Birkin has a flap which extends from the back of the bag and is meant to fasten it closed on the front. As such, many women will often allow the flap to fold into the bag - and just carry it "open". It's much easier than pulling the flap over the top of the bag and then toggling the clasp to close the bag!
All Birkins have interior pockets - usually one large zippered compartment and another open flap compartment.
The JPG Birkin, again, is the exception to this rule and contains NO inner pockets (an issue for some people). It also has oversized hardware (the lock, keys, and clochette are much larger than the Birkin and HAC bags).
Hermes leathers are some of the best in the world, and as a result, some of them can be EXTRAORDINARILY heavy to carry. For example, the JPG in Clemmence is one sturdy - and heavy - bag. Imagine what it's like with when you fill it's 42cm with your personal items! Know this and be ready to deal with it before you buy.
So is the Birkin worth the money? And how much do they typically run?
Well as you’ll see from eBay, Birkin’s are probably the most popular design, and therefore command some of the highest prices. Depending upon the size and skin, prices typically range from anywhere between $6000 and $40,000USD.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that Birkin holds its value – which is always good if you decide to resell your bag.
So is the Birkin the right bag for you?
Well, if you don’t mind a bag that, for all intents and purposes, cannot be carried on your shoulder, then you’ll probably love the Birkin. If you like the look and don't mind a bag that is somewhat heavy, then look at the JPG Birkin. If you like a small bag - and don't mind carrying it in your hands, then check out the 25 or 30cm Birkin.
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