The Birkin Bag's Iconic History And Why It's So Expensive | Forbes

French handbag maker Hermès created the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, which sell for $20,000 each on average. How did they come to be and why are they so expensive?
In the early 1980s, Jane Birkin, the famous actress and model was fortunate enough to be upgraded on a flight from Paris to London. As she sat down in her seat, her bag tipped over, and the contents spilled across the floor of the cabin.
The man in the seat beside her commented on her bag by saying, “You should have one with pockets.”
While scrabbling about on the floor, picking up her belongings, she told him, “The day Hermès makes one with pockets, I’ll have that.”
At the time, she had no idea that the man she was talking to was Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermès. And this coincidence led to a fashion phenomenon.
After introducing themselves to each other, they spent the rest of the flight sketching ideas on the back of an airsick bag. They looked at the shape, the pockets, the handles, and everything that would make a bag perfect for Jane. And in the process, they struck on something that would result in the ideal bag for many people.
The result of their efforts is now one of the most in-demand and elusive fashion items in the world - the Birkin bag.
These days a Birkin Bag sells for upward of $12,000, with the most exclusive ones hitting the $200,000 mark.
But it’s not just the price that keeps these bags exclusive. You could walk into a store with a fistful of cash and still not be able to buy one.
Read the full story on Forbes: www.forbes.com/sites/soonyu/2...
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Пікірлер: 111

  • @marcusofranz1102
    @marcusofranz1102 Жыл бұрын

    People want them and they purposely don’t make enough of them… that’s it.

  • @bbyhly

    @bbyhly

    3 ай бұрын

    FACTS

  • @shoshanakirya-ziraba8216
    @shoshanakirya-ziraba8216 Жыл бұрын

    The style looks like a 60 year old lady waiting for her driver to take her to the garden party. If you didn't hear about the brand, you wouldn't naturally pick this one.

  • @MariacherJargas

    @MariacherJargas

    Ай бұрын

    Okay, I've always been scratching my head over *hotdups* obsession with school bags and their practicality, but this one is adorable! Congratulations

  • @acidicascetic
    @acidicascetic10 ай бұрын

    Nothing justifies the price. It's stupid.

  • @user-fb4sb1zi8g

    @user-fb4sb1zi8g

    8 ай бұрын

    Exactly

  • @cinqo7

    @cinqo7

    2 күн бұрын

    It’s $12,000

  • @user-ok3kh3vj5k
    @user-ok3kh3vj5k5 ай бұрын

    Love KKUWAN the way you show it! You really focus on showing off the bag. I don't think any other KZreadr can show off bags in as much detail as you.

  • @JgdkdkgIgckle
    @JgdkdkgIgckle23 күн бұрын

    I've owned the *rrcopys* tote for years and it still looks as beautiful as the day I bought it. The craftsmanship and durability of these bags is truly impressive. There are so many styles and colors of their bags to choose from!

  • @user-sy4yd4bk2m
    @user-sy4yd4bk2m5 ай бұрын

    Thank you dear for taking us along. Can't wait what the KKUWAN queen picked up at Fendi

  • @Katz_Pajamas
    @Katz_Pajamas Жыл бұрын

    The red soles are sooo slippery when you first buy them! But after walking in them even for a bit the enamel starts to wear off at the perfect points where your foot meets the ground. Everyone's wears a little bit different. But this is what supposed to happen and it's what creates perfect traction. I can't understand why people like to get them repolished or they cover the souls with a red rubber that covers up the beautiful red trademark enamel. You're supposed to wear and break in luxury items... it's normal. For example you should want your leather Prada or LV bag to soften and patina. It actually looks more luxurious to use these high end items properly and looks a bit tacky when intentionally kept too pristine, if that makes any sense. Like a birkin tote looks more fashionable and expensive when it's stuffed (not overflowing or busting) with items vs carrying it around not broken in and all stiff and perfect.

  • @Jsb078

    @Jsb078

    Жыл бұрын

    100% agreed. We buy things to wear and tear. That’s the joy of it.

  • @carrazcoexelby

    @carrazcoexelby

    2 ай бұрын

    I work in the medical field. I was stressed so I bought a designer bag and carried my authenticity card in case someone said my bag was fake. Turns out nobody cares... nobody! I complimented one of my co-workers on a bag the other day and she surprised me by telling me it was a knockoff . She makes 2x or 3x more money than me. Ha ha *hotdups*

  • @MariacherJargas

    @MariacherJargas

    Ай бұрын

    I almost bought a new LV handbag and never filled it up. I'm so glad I saw this video and read all the comments. I'd rather buy a $100 bag with $1000 in it than *hotdups*

  • @kennc5066
    @kennc5066 Жыл бұрын

    Jane Birkin is English. She speaks French with a very pronounce English accent.

  • @carrazcoexelby

    @carrazcoexelby

    2 ай бұрын

    I remember saving up to buy a Chanel bag a few years ago, when I already had the money to buy it. I gave up because I couldn't justify buying a bag at this price. Instead, I used the money to buy our second home. It's a better investment than a bag. And, now I have a *hotdups* ake Chanel bag that's pretty darn good.

  • @MariacherJargas

    @MariacherJargas

    Ай бұрын

    What a wonderful concept! ! For myself, I can still see the appeal of *hotdups* to me!

  • @echidnaralsei1473
    @echidnaralsei14733 күн бұрын

    I love it! ❤

  • @user-cx3fb9lv4z
    @user-cx3fb9lv4z9 ай бұрын

    Love the bag, will be taking it to go to work. I love all the ability to organize everything w pockets some w zippers. My first bag had the liner rip. They replaced it faster than I could ship return. Thank you 1jku

  • @LauraDemarcoi
    @LauraDemarcoi25 күн бұрын

    Really love *rrcopys* 's wallet. The fabric is fine. Gold touches add a nice touch. Perfect for when you don't need tote size. I got some compliments when I went to church

  • @rijaas.haroon9213
    @rijaas.haroon92132 ай бұрын

    Even if i was the richest person i d never buy this bag :/

  • @pouklarranaga
    @pouklarranagaАй бұрын

    The variety of textures in the H Q D U P S pack is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there's something for everyone.

  • @anonymousgirl799
    @anonymousgirl799 Жыл бұрын

    RIP Jane Birkin

  • @user-kl9by9kw8k
    @user-kl9by9kw8k4 ай бұрын

    I don’t miss a day a week KKUWAN This show..😂😂😂😂

  • @mavricksone
    @mavricksone Жыл бұрын

    Oh yeah, Jane Birkin the famous French celebrity. Come on, Forbes.

  • @carrazcoexelby

    @carrazcoexelby

    2 ай бұрын

    With the quality of luxury brands like LV declining, I bet *hotdups* the quality is pretty good. I've seen a lot of videos of people complaining. Until then, these questions will determine the difference between qualities...

  • @user-kg7zn3ou8v
    @user-kg7zn3ou8v4 ай бұрын

    he variety of textures in the #kkuwan pack is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there's something for everyone.

  • @NesheimMaasen
    @NesheimMaasenАй бұрын

    OMG…thank god I saw *gtdupe* ! I really struggle with how to properly wear a Birkin bag that I can’t afford.

  • @KsjdnncKsjdnnc
    @KsjdnncKsjdnnc6 күн бұрын

    I looked at a lot of backpacks before deciding to *rrcopys* their bag. I'm so glad I did. This is a beautiful backpack that looks well made. I bought it for an upcoming trip and am so excited to have it. It only took a few days to get here, so the shipping was fast. I highly recommend it and will buy again. It also makes a great gift.

  • @LoyceYetzer
    @LoyceYetzer14 күн бұрын

    "I'm amazed that my H Q D U P S tote is still in such good condition even after a few months of use. The leather is well crafted and still looks as good as when I first bought it."

  • @aak1932
    @aak1932 Жыл бұрын

    Nice infomercial

  • @ravirajanatesan7247
    @ravirajanatesan7247 Жыл бұрын

    Nice

  • @user-rl5jq5qx2p
    @user-rl5jq5qx2p5 ай бұрын

    KKUWAN 's bag really surprises me!

  • @Niceshopx03
    @Niceshopx033 ай бұрын

    @ *lvguci* The canvas tote actually reminds me of the Hermes Garden Party too. Thanks for making this video to suggest more budget friendly alternatives. love it!

  • @shankarbalakrishnan2360
    @shankarbalakrishnan23604 ай бұрын

    Birkin Birkin stylised haha❤❤

  • @MaryGrant-cr7fe
    @MaryGrant-cr7fe16 күн бұрын

    No matter the appearance or the metal parts of the *yutulu* bag, I believe that as long as you are not a professional, you will never see any difference .

  • @medm7357
    @medm7357 Жыл бұрын

    god bless estee lauder 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @xv_hades_vx3530
    @xv_hades_vx3530 Жыл бұрын

    Designed by the Annunaki

  • @francinesicard464
    @francinesicard464 Жыл бұрын

    Centuries of fine craftsmanship and quality pay off! Here we are not talking about "Made in China" or "Made in Morocco". Hermès bags are handmade, and it takes between 500 and 600 hours of work to obtain the finished product. The price varies according to the type and quality of leather treated by the best tanners in Europe.

  • @walideg5304

    @walideg5304

    Жыл бұрын

    The Moroccan craftsmanship is excellent. They master wood, leather, silver, bronze, mosaics. You should wash your moth before speaking. You don’t need to trash other craftsmanship tradition to underline Hermès quality. The owners would never did it. Same by the way with China, they have also a long tradition with excellent craftsmanship. Look Shang Xia. And I tell you this being an ex Hermès employee. Your figures are wrong. If a bag took 500 hours to make, then the price would be 100000+ euros.

  • @francinesicard464

    @francinesicard464

    Жыл бұрын

    @@walideg5304 It never reaches the same level of quality. I know, I made the mistake to buy some items in Casablanca and Marrakech and it didn't last 2 years. Never again! An Hermès bag can last a life long.🤣🤣🤣

  • @acidicascetic

    @acidicascetic

    10 ай бұрын

    ​@@francinesicard464 All that shows is your ignorance on where to purchase.

  • @user-dn3so7zy4e
    @user-dn3so7zy4e7 ай бұрын

    قريبًا راح يكون عندي دولاب خاص لشناط بيركن بإذن الله

  • @r.mertens
    @r.mertens6 ай бұрын

    😂why do we start and go on by showing Kelly bags and talk about Birkins? 😂

  • @usercurious
    @usercurious Жыл бұрын

    I find it stupid that people buy such expensive basic stuff, even as investment.

  • @colemancalgary5260

    @colemancalgary5260

    7 ай бұрын

    Your just jealous!

  • @DariaMorgendorffer123

    @DariaMorgendorffer123

    7 ай бұрын

    @@colemancalgary5260learn grammar

  • @cinqo7

    @cinqo7

    2 күн бұрын

    It’s price is $12,000

  • @RayhankhnaDbh
    @RayhankhnaDbh11 күн бұрын

    you’re literally my comfort person i love you 😍#Niceshopx😍

  • @TyroneKelly-yl3is
    @TyroneKelly-yl3is4 ай бұрын

    I started watching *yutulux* videos when I was in a really bad place with my panic disorder..

  • @tiffanyassoci
    @tiffanyassoci Жыл бұрын

    They are heavyweights.

  • @Yasmina-1979at
    @Yasmina-1979at Жыл бұрын

    I wonder if Jane Birkin herself had one. She just died today . Rest in peace

  • @abbypengelly1432

    @abbypengelly1432

    Жыл бұрын

    she did, she never had to pay tho

  • @Yasmina-1979at

    @Yasmina-1979at

    Жыл бұрын

    @@abbypengelly1432 sounds right 😊

  • @kdramatagalog4454
    @kdramatagalog4454 Жыл бұрын

    My dream bag

  • @LPBineli

    @LPBineli

    Жыл бұрын

    Same

  • @gol788

    @gol788

    Жыл бұрын

    keep dreaming

  • @kmtaylor88
    @kmtaylor88 Жыл бұрын

    You need to improve the description under the video: 'fistful of cash' is laughable!

  • @ChrstphreCampbell
    @ChrstphreCampbell7 ай бұрын

    Zero information about why they’re so dang expensive !

  • @stefanossmitty3318

    @stefanossmitty3318

    5 ай бұрын

    “They’re hard to obtain cause there’s only so many made each year and the want for it outweighs accessibility.” 🤷🏾‍♂️

  • @jameelahmad7025
    @jameelahmad70258 ай бұрын

    0:54

  • @user-by7dd8kf5g
    @user-by7dd8kf5g8 ай бұрын

    eastlisa Literally the happiest place we girls are!

  • @jameelahmad7025
    @jameelahmad70258 ай бұрын

    1:20

  • @BignallNicolaisen
    @BignallNicolaisen21 күн бұрын

    No matter the appearance or the metal parts of the H Q D U P S I believe that as long as you are not a practitioner, you will never see any difference

  • @SylvinaDerks
    @SylvinaDerks14 күн бұрын

    The reality is: if you're rich and famous, your LYXBAG bags are seen as a sign of success. If you are just an ordinary worker working a 9-to-5 job, your real bag is likely to be

  • @katgouma8727
    @katgouma8727Ай бұрын

    Waarom word demensen die uiteindelijk de tas maken niet beter behandeld en betaald , bij zo'n dure tas is dat toch een schandaal

  • @bbyhly
    @bbyhly3 ай бұрын

    No bag should be the price of what hermes is charging...the facts r they are not worth what they r being priced at at all.. PERIOD.....its a bag that they purposley dont make enough of, so they can make it look "exclusive"....this bags style has never changed and u can literally buy this same style bag at a forever 21 for like 10$

  • @_rob_.
    @_rob_.4 ай бұрын

    While people go hungry.

  • @babennberry
    @babennberry7 ай бұрын

    🤣🤣🤣🤣The epitome of pointless waste.

  • @omarreyes7329
    @omarreyes7329Ай бұрын

    status for some people? anyone who buy this is paying for the brand and status.

  • @Dr.KiraWorld
    @Dr.KiraWorld5 ай бұрын

  • @cato12
    @cato126 ай бұрын

    Bags are all hype. That’s why they are so expensive.

  • @karliie11
    @karliie113 ай бұрын

    The music choice for this video is terrible. You really didn’t know how to tell this beautiful story.

  • @eevalobo
    @eevalobo Жыл бұрын

    I’d have to be making a stupid amount of money to be alright w/ paying that much for a purse for my wife or daughter. Just like I won’t pay Bugatti prices….like unless I’m like a billionaire. Yeah….then I’ll do it.

  • @Arbigale
    @Arbigale8 ай бұрын

    Status symbol

  • @brianthomas-f2r
    @brianthomas-f2r5 күн бұрын

    If you're going to charge $2500 for a bag that you might spend $100 to produce, I think morals are already out the window. So now I'm buying bags at D U P B A G Y and I think $200 is the right amount

  • @SlawomirAbdon
    @SlawomirAbdon21 күн бұрын

    My H Q D U P S super fakes are amazing! Most of my genuine bags are broken or torn! Unless these places start backing up their quality with warranties, I will never buy from them again. I can afford the real thing, I choose the best quality fakes because they don't break. I don't mind if something goes wrong.

  • @qdyuqgwdhiqwduyqw
    @qdyuqgwdhiqwduyqwАй бұрын

    I am very happy with the replica bag I bought at H Q D U P S. They are on par with the original designer bags in terms of durability and attention to detail, and have saved me a lot of money.

  • @ajaynelson387
    @ajaynelson387 Жыл бұрын

    1st

  • @ravibhushan6249
    @ravibhushan62498 ай бұрын

    This ad pay people to like this video..I got offer to like this video and will get 150 Indian rupee

  • @harshchandra5150
    @harshchandra51502 ай бұрын

    Ee yogi kayliye hai, Lucknow bhejwa denge yogi kayliye ye wala jhola

  • @spacecoastaesthetics6990
    @spacecoastaesthetics69902 күн бұрын

    I own one but they are ugly

  • @SlawomirAbdon
    @SlawomirAbdon26 күн бұрын

    I think the bigger scam are from these luxury brands. I prefer H Q D U P S

  • @kynzleighplut
    @kynzleighplutАй бұрын

    Ilia kvalito ne estas malsupera al tiuj grandaj luksaj varoj. La fortikeco kaj atento al detaloj rivalas kun la originalaj dezajnistsakoj kaj mi ne povas kredi kiom mi ?paris. ?i estas la perfekta akcesora?o por iu ajn moda knabino! Mi certas, ke mi rea?etos iujn aliajn stilojn kaj kolorojn ? #hqdups por kongrui kun miaj vesta?oj kaj ?uoj!

  • @Mary-fk3lp
    @Mary-fk3lp Жыл бұрын

    I understand status symbols (growing less and less fond of them considering the state of the world), but this is not unique or cute at all. Looks like a Guess bag lol…at least look exquisite if it’s going to cost a literal fortune

  • @7kraska

    @7kraska

    Жыл бұрын

    fast fashion imitates real fashion, that's why it look so ordinary because every other bag wants to look like a birkin

  • @moonkloud5148
    @moonkloud5148 Жыл бұрын

    You will not think hermes birkin bag as “iconic” when you know what is happening behind the scene and how they make this👎🏼 #DropCroc

  • @francinesicard464

    @francinesicard464

    Жыл бұрын

    But you, you know how it's made? Hermès bags are hand made and it takes between 500 to 600 hours until you get the product finished. I don't like particularly the Birkin, I much prefer the Kelly. If only I could afford it.🤣😂

  • @claudinefaure9090

    @claudinefaure9090

    Жыл бұрын

    Plus, the quality of the leather has to be equal, it never changes. And they use only one small part of the skin.... -tell me about Kellys or Birkins made out of autruche ,,, or the jackets/blousons... +Some other items.

  • @tatamic9926
    @tatamic99263 ай бұрын

    But it doesn't look good, it's lame

  • @catholicfaithofmine2664
    @catholicfaithofmine2664 Жыл бұрын

    I wanna know how old the children are who put these bags together in some sweatshop.

  • @7kraska

    @7kraska

    Жыл бұрын

    The artisas that make these bags need to have at least 5 years of training. They are made mainly in France. Not by children. 🤦🏻‍♀

  • @allisonhanguyen2806
    @allisonhanguyen28064 ай бұрын

    The Birkin bag really looks ugly…yuck!

  • @JcbcbdFjf
    @JcbcbdFjf6 ай бұрын

    Amei todas as bolsas lindas e de muito bom gosto.Parabens yt#uzbagx yt😘😘😘

  • @IVpeekaboo
    @IVpeekaboo Жыл бұрын

    These are one of the ugliest bags I’ve seen.. unbelievable lol

  • @mikedc
    @mikedc Жыл бұрын

    Trump2024

  • @user-kg7zn3ou8v
    @user-kg7zn3ou8v4 ай бұрын

    Good and informative video, but my choice was always #kkuwan

  • @user-xg8gj2ol3s
    @user-xg8gj2ol3s5 ай бұрын

    KKUWAN is your partner in young people’s fashion journey

  • @user-yw3pq2bo7p
    @user-yw3pq2bo7p4 ай бұрын

    New friend here sending may full suppor KKUWAN

  • @user-rn6vb3nn9n
    @user-rn6vb3nn9n5 ай бұрын

    Bagay na bagay sau #kkuwan

  • @woklam342
    @woklam342 Жыл бұрын

    buy in shenzhen for dollar

  • @apexxxx10
    @apexxxx10 Жыл бұрын

    4:14 *”You know” Does she need a script?*

  • @soogrimzwemke
    @soogrimzwemke2 ай бұрын

    I have $5000 and would rather buy *condup* and deposit $4,500 into my bank account

  • @user-xg8gj2ol3s
    @user-xg8gj2ol3s5 ай бұрын

    I will never line up with thousands in my wallet waiting to go into these ridiculous stores to go buy ridiculous sacks with ridiculous prices no ! Save money with this company KKUWAN

  • @Niceshopx05
    @Niceshopx059 ай бұрын

    Have to say after purchasing @ *AMZLV* portfolio. Take my quality of life to the next level!

  • @lavanyasure6701
    @lavanyasure6701 Жыл бұрын

    Nice

  • @user-pf7dp4sb1z
    @user-pf7dp4sb1z6 ай бұрын

    I will never line up with thousands in my wallet waiting to go into these ridiculous stores to go buy ridiculous sacks with ridiculous prices no ! Save money with this company KKUWAN

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