The ultimate status bag, the Hermes birkin, is at the top of every girl's wish list. But to truly appreciate the birkin in all its beauty and to be worthy of its fabulousness is to be knowledgeable on everything about it. We all know Hermes bags are crafted by hand with the most amazing skins in the world. And by now even my housekeeper is aware of the secret blindstamp and craftsman id on the strap. But it is not just the Hermes stamp and logo that makes one a "Bag Snob"! There is so much about Hermes bags that make them the finest in the world. First, the tissue paper. I have had many conversations with various Hermes Managing Directors and they all love talking about the tissue paper. Apparently there are special tissue paper craftsman who spend their entire lives folding tissue paper for Hermes bags! They make little pillows for the birkin to rest upon and layers of "blankets" to protect it. It is suggested that you keep the bag exactly as the day you opened it, sleeping on the little pillow will allow it to keep its shape for life!
The stitching on Hermes bags is also unparalleled. It is so sturdy you can carry rocks in them! (or if you are the Bag Snob, 10 pounds of baby necessities). The stitiching is usually the first giveaway between faux or real. The real deal should have a very uniform and slight tilt to it while the fake is crooked and uneven.
All of the exotic skins also come with certificates, which is handy when traveling. Now what other bag has its own passport? For the true aficionados, try to get an invitation to tour the private Hermes museum next time you are in Paris and get a complete history of all things Hermes!
you're right! and the raincoats, and the certificates for the exotic skins, and the little orange bag for the key and padlock! it's the whole ceremony that comes with it that makes it the ultimate luxury purchase!
Oh Birkin how we love thee.....
I can't wait to get that call when my red one comes in!!!
Just curious, what does the letter which is embossed on the strap mean? I'm newcomer and have just purchased my first birkin! (a 25cm in black)
Thanks!
I just purchased a Kelly bag on e-bay and I am trying to educate myself to make sure that my bag is real... what is the "...secret blindstamp and craftsman id on the strap"? And should I just take it to Neiman's or someplace to check it out for me to alleviate my worries??? Thanks!!
Bagsnob,
I need to ask you some questions. I basically want to know how much a Birkin would cost in the US. I know it's a range usually (depends on leather type, color, etc.), but let's say, how much would a Black, 30 cm, Togo Birkin cost? I've heard it's US$6,500? or is it much more expensive now?
Also, how long is the waiting list now? And how does it actually work? Do you just sign up, and when they say that your bag is finally getting made by the craftsman, is that the only moment you pay? Or do you have to make a downpayment (like they do with LV commissions) when you get on the wish list?
And I've heard that Hermes asks its clientele to send Hermes bags back to France to have it "refreshed" and to make it look new again EVERY YEAR. Is this true? I only know that they do offer complimentary re-stitching of leather articles, if need be.
Thanks so much, and your blog is my new addiction! It's really a fun and informative read! I love it!
RGM
Hi RGM
Prices for black togo 30cm is around $6,700. As for the list, you do not pay until that birkin is in your hot little hands. You can't just sign up, you have to make friends with a sales associate in order to get on the list. It's closed in most cities but you can still try in your local boutique.
Cities like St. Barts, Florence Italy, etc usually have stock so always check when traveling!
xo
Bag Snob Tina,
Thanks so much! :D You just don't know how helpful you have been for me! I'll be travelling to the States and would let you know how getting my name in the list works out!
RGM
I was reading the information given on this say to tell wether you could tell is your bag is real or faux. I s the anything else on the bag that you could use to tell if the bag is real or faux?
to isabel
the letter on the strap is the first letter of the craftsman who made the entire bag by hand. it's one of those rewards for the craftsmen, they get to personally sign each bag.
I want to purchase a Hermes Birkin bag but I want to be sure it is authentic before I purchase it. I am getting it from an associate of mine. It is a Hermes White Ostrich Birkin bag with gold hardware. I am not sure how to tell if it is authentic. I love these bags but I never purchased one because I thought it would be impossible to get one. From what I do know there should be a year stamp on it. What year should I be looking for on this bag? What amount should I be paying? Associate or not I don't want to be over charged. Please help me. I really want to get this bag. It is so beautiful! Any additional information would be greatly appreciated also. Thank you so much
I am absolutely in love with the Birking Bag. I desperatly want one, but i was wondering, what sizes do they come in? like a 40 cm in just plain black leather, how much would that cost?
hello;
would like to learn something about the birkin bag & other hermes bags. does birking bags have a regesrtered stamp on the cover of the palladium gadget?
Hello - I am trying to find out if there are any Hermes stores that will put me on a birkin list even if I'm not a regular customer and cannot go in every day to "schmooze" because I don't have one locally.
I don't mind waiting for one, but I cannot afford to go in an purchase many items to gain the relationship with the SA before I purchase a Birkin. In other words, the Birkin will be it!!
I recently called a Hermes store that is a couple hours from where I live and the SA told me they would not sell me a Birkin unless I become a regular customer!!
Can anyone out there help??
I'm deperate for a Birkin and want to buy it from a Hermes store (not a reseller)!!!
thanks for any help!!! Stephanie :)
Hi,
I would like to ask something about birkin bag...if you buy birkin bag from the hermes store, will the blind stamp code appears on the receipt (the recipt will show the code of blind stamp)???
thanks, please help me out
...this is one smart marketing campaign ;)
I purchased a vintage Black Hermes Kelly bag when I was in Paris this month. The boutique stated the bag dates back to the 60's. It is in pristine condition for it's age. I paid 3800 Euro which equates to $5000 US dollars. Vintage seems to be quite the thing these days but I may have overpaid? I'm wondering how I would treat the bag to retain it's beauty. Thank you in advance.