It's a nice bag, but I find it very overpriced and impractical for real life. As you stated, it is just a bag, and I agree with you.

The saddle stitch creates that angled stitch look. Like you said, it's two threads and needles woven front back. It's so that if a stitch gets broken, the whole seam does not fall apart. With machine stitching, if you pop a stitch then you loosen the bottom thread and the whole seam falls apart. My Hermes watch band is so tightly woven, it's really durable. But, a lot of hand sewn bags use saddle stitch it's not exclusive to Hermes. My Ghurka bag is handmade and every bit as gorgeous as Hermes.

@sloppyjoe3617

8 ай бұрын

I have heard that Hermés invented the saddle stitch but I don't know if that is true.

It’s a beautiful bag, but it’s just a bag. I’m a little disillusioned with luxury at the moment & especially Hermes. It just seems to be everywhere & it’s a bit off putting because the way it seems to be idolized. Great video & thank you for saying the quiet part out loud ❤

Great video as always Hannah! The Birkin is definitely is one classic and good looking bag, but I think we humans definitely put it on a pedestal because of the Hermes brand and the exclusivity connected to the bag. I agree with your thoughts on actually using and enjoying your bags vs. worshipping them because they are just some objects we own at the end of the day. 😂

@ritaroad

8 ай бұрын

On the subject of exclusivity. That’s just fabricated. When Barney’s first opened in Chicago back in 1991-92 I wandered in. There was this round area encircled by glass cases. In the center there was a display of Birkens forming a pyramid. In the cases were Kelly bags. The sales attendant asked if I wanted to see one. Anyone walking in from the street could buy one.

Loved your take on this bag. it's important that we realize that the bag is a material thing, and that "we" own the bag, the bag does not own us! Good for you to acknowledge that .

Wonderful! Finally, someone said it out loud! 🙈I’m not a Birkin lover. I’m not even a Chanel love. To me, they’re all just……bags That said, I am still a handbag lover. I do still really enjoy luxury & designer fashion houses. But it is so easy to worship our items as though there is something of value that they can give us. Absolutely no shade to anyone who also loves the birkin. I can see why even if it’s not for me. But I’m still glad that someone said it out loud.

THANK YOU! No one ever really explains the hype, just the history and the journey to get one.

That powdery feeling is how I described my pochette from dress up your purse when I first received it. Togo is very nice.

I touched a coral or tangerine coloured Birkin a few months ago at a consignment store, and I also made note of the powdery feel! There is no leather bag I've touched that's like it but people kept telling me it was the same leather as a Longchamp's le foulonné bags. I've compared the two by going in person and I still don't think they're the same. I probably will never own one, but The Birkin leather is just beautiful!

Finally someone has said it and honestly, I don’t know how safe I’d feel carrying a bag of this magnitude.

This is the most fabulous review of the Birkin that I’ve seen. Very informative and insightful. Thanks Hannah!

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Oh I’m so glad!

I have to admit I had the Hermès fever and I’ve got some bags. The birkin is close to my heart. I would say that there’s absolutely no other bag of this shape that I love more than the birkin. Is it a hype? I would say these days probably yes, but personally I see myself carrying my Birkins for years to come. I’m like you and I use my bags, they won’t sit on a shelf, if they get scratches so be it, it shows that they are used. I own Kelly’s but I don’t have the same love for them since I do find other bags of this shape more appealing ( for example the Peekaboo).

Agree! It we look at purpose- it’s a bag to carry your belongings. Personally a Kelly bag lover, owner and user but yes, there’s a lot of hype surrounding Hermes bags and there are just as many beautiful and functional bags out there for less cost.

📖📖📖Knowledge is very powerful. The way you communicated and presented the background of this handbag gives power to appreciate it. As one who worked in the garment industry, I will say the only way to understand and appreciate quality craftsmanship, you have to be in the room of having an open mind and empathy. I remember when Coach would replace if they could not repair their wore handbags, at no cost to the customer. Thank you for the history background, for me, always appreciated😎

I don't particularly like the Birkin because to me, it looks a bit like a briefcase. Having said that, I absolutely love yours! You were my first bag influencer (Mini Antigona) and I find every bag in your collection totally drool worthy! 😊 Excellent video, as usual. Have a great weekend.

I see it as just another bag. I currently have two and both were prelove. I was happy to pay the premium price. I’ve gotten my fixed now I’ve moved on. Same goes to watches for me. Great video ❤❤❤

Very informative video and I learnt a lot about the brand and the bag. I don’t have a Birkin but if I own one I will treat it just like any other bag.

I love the style of this bag. It really does have a briefcase/ saddle bag style to it. Now I love the fact that it’s a full on canvas for anything you, the owner, wants to present. I’m an artist, so I’d paint mine if I were so lucky to have one. That said, I wouldn’t ever spent that kind of money on a bag if I had that kind of money to make as a choice for a bag. I am good with some knock off styles of it for sure. I have zero connection to Jane Birkin. TBH, I’m a 46 year old, brown woman that is a lifelong metal head. To quote the Smiths, that woman “says nothing to me about my life.” I think she’s canonized in Caucasian culture, right up there with Marie Antoinette. Whateva.

The Birkin was basically designed to function as a tote given that it was supposed to hold a lot and keep it secure. But it FAILS at being a tote because you can't hold on the shoulder despite how heavy it gets. This is also why it FAILS at being a handheld bag, all that leather is just too heavy. You can't even actually secure it as intended for daily use because it's too finicky. So to me, it FAILS at what it was designed to do. But it's cute and it succeeds at being a status symbol so good for the brand.

@lovepilie

8 ай бұрын

I agree but on one thing : this bag was never invented to be secure ! The reason behind the bag, singer Jane Birkin, would seldom have worn something formal, so I trust that it was intended to never be fully closed, which is why the flap is so broad and stitched that way, so that it closes well even without effort.

To me, it is just another bag, but as long as you like it.

Haha this is the first time I’ve seen how a Birkin fully closes! 😅 I never noticed each side also has to slot in with the belt. The colour of your birkin is beautiful 🤎

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Yup, it’s a fussy toddler getting dressed. 😂

i love your mentality! 🥰 things are not to be worshipped. let’s focus on meaningful core values of life and spread love and light! 😊

@hellocatwalkcity

7 ай бұрын

💯

I think the bag is beautiful, but it’s not a bag that would fit into my life. I’m 62 years old and I now try to carry very light and small bags due to my back issues. I stick with small Crossbody bags that I can wind around so that the bulk of the weight is carried across my back. I do find these bags incredibly lovely though. Thank you for sharing all of the information on this bag!

Thank you for this video. I think it’s many girl’s dream to own a Kelly or Birkin (including myself). However, it can hardly fit into my lifestyle. I won’t carry it to office and I can only imagine that it sits in my closet most of the time 😐 furthermore, I don’t enjoy the attention and stares when carrying this kind of bag. Afterall, I cannot deny that this bag is not just an ordinary bag, it’s like a piece of art with great history and exquisite craftsmanship.

It is a beautifully crafted bag. I loved my 30 RGH Noir but sold it since I live in a rainy area and am not the best in taking care of my bags. 😎🌺💕

@GemmaGraceStyle

8 ай бұрын

Wow, what you had is my dream bag B30 in Noir with RGH 😍

Great review! I used to make leather bags and can attest that it takes A LOT of work to make one well. Hermes style is not for me (yet?), but I appreciate the craftsmanship. And I think wearing it open gives the bag a “so what?” casual, cool attitude that contrasts nicely with the a bag that can look a bit stuffy (to me!)

Your birkin is stunning…it’s the only one I would want….but I will never get one…travel and other priorities take over. Love your videos hannah

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Travel over a Birkin, any day! 😉

I like them. I love the Jane Birkin backstory about the Birkin bag. I love 💕 the bag spa service that Hermés company provides.

@hellocatwalkcity

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely, the after care service from Hermes is worth appreciating!

I'm so glad that I'm not a fan of Hermes Birken or Kelly. The only one that slightly appeals to me is the mini kelly, however since I have no purchase history with Hermes, I don't anticipate getting one anytime soon. I will certainly not be paying the way over retail price for one! But you are so right, at the end of the day it is just a bag.

This was so interesting! Thank you 😊

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

That's why I love you and your videos. You appreciate it, but still use them and not on a shelf.

It took me a long time to get to this mindset and it may still change but~ Any luxury item that you don’t have ample savings for or you don’t more than enough cover it in say, 2 weeks pay, then it arguably is encroaching unto daily essentials/expenses to make concessions for. I’m not saying never to treat yourself or someone else with a lavish gift or even save up for a major investment, quite the opposite. Often, we buy into too much of… everything, every day and every season so much so it’s just normal to spend to feel good. Just like a trip around the world, a nice home, car or bag- I don’t think they are essentials but living nicely and having nice things are nice. Far and wide- mindless consumption and immediate gratification hinders us from conscious decisions and long term happiness.

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

For sure! To each their own, but I’m with you. It’s not luxury unless you have excess money to own it. Otherwise it becomes a burden/debt. Also, I heard someone say, if you can’t afford to buy 2 of them, don’t bother buying it at all. 😂

@elisa8251

8 ай бұрын

@@hellocatwalkcity also love all your new investing advice ❤️. Tysm

You are right and I do not think I even want one now with the price and not practical usage, what’s the point to own one? Just collect it and put it on the shelf? Not even an investment

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Absolutely, if you’re not going to use it and enjoy it, no point.

I agree with you. I have one Birkin and it is beautiful to tell you the truth if I never get another one I’m fine. I had another one and I sold it.I didn’t really like the attention it brings. If I ever find one in smooth Barenia for a great price I would get it but if not I won’t loose sleep.

I could have purchased one when I was working on the secondary market, but I've carried non-logo'd 35 cm, HQ dupes since 2005. I used mine as a briefcase/laptop bag, 4 month old street kitten rescue carrier, lunch bag, 2 trips to Europe (yay lock and key!). I really wish I'd purchased a Barenia 35 long ago, but alas...now retired, fixed income yada yada. Get one and wear it out if you love it! I wish I had!!

Love your channel! I wanted to say that I have a Birkin as well as several other bags from Hermes, all in Togo leather. I live in Ft Lauderdale and I carry my bags everyday. They’ve gotten wet in the rain, and dry beautifully. I just wipe off the water as soon as I get indoors and it dries like new.

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Woah! I was always told never to get caught in the rain with my Birkin and I thought, what a pain. 😂 I never carry around the little rain cover so I have just been super careful and now reading your comment makes me feel so much better!!

What makes a bag special to me is the memories attached. Like the bag my husband bought me that had my engagement ring inside when he proposed. Like the one I got autographed by a Christian artist I saw in concert. Like the one I take on all our trips out of town. They show the marks of special moments the Lord has allowed me to build in this life. That is more special than anything.

Interesting video Hanna. In my opinion it's just a bag that has had a lot of hype attached to it in recent years. Yes it's beautiful, the leather is beautiful and the craftsmanship is outstanding. I can admire it for these reasons but would I buy one? No, even if I had the money. I love handbags but I'm just not into high end designer handbags.

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Absolutely, we can admire from afar and not have to buy it. 😉

I could never justify a bag of Hermes prices (or even Chanel and lots of other luxury brands now)

I’ve loved the design for years (about 20 to be exact) and also love the Kelly because we share a name, so would love to have one of both, but not that much that I would plat the ‘Hermès’ game. I’m more like: I have the money and you don’t want me to spend it? Okay, I’ll spend it somewhere else where they are friendly and I get what I want.

Your Birkin is beautiful. Enjoy it in great health. I probably will never own one. What I am interested in is a very vintage Kelly. They look great to me kind of beat up. Question? You didn’t show the key/ cloche?

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Thank you. I tucked the key/clochette away inside the box with all the paperwork and I didn’t bother to pull it out for this video. 😅

Before I knew about Hermes and Birkins, I had a bag which looked very similar to it. I used it as a document work bag! Lol.. Therefore I can't understand how ppl can use the birkin as a shopping / casual bag nowadays. I have the gold phw in picotin now and love the quality and smell of the bag.

I picked up an BV Andiamo recently. I needed a well-crafted tote I can use use for work and play for years to come. I wasn't prepared to play the game for the Birkin, I liked the BV lifetime guarantee, Birkins (real and fake) despite the nominal 'exclusivity' seem to be everywhere you look in cities and I prefer to look a little different especially when dropping this kind.of money. Resale value wasn't that important for me because I'm looking for a piece to last/keep for many many years. I don't know if I made the right choice but so far so good.

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

The Bottega Andiamo tote is really nice! Enjoy!

Hype.

I think the most special thing to this bag is the unique business model/ecological system of Hermes.

I bought my birkin a month ago. It's just a bag, true, but it's a small work of art, full of care, craftsmanship and history, which gives me joy every time I use it.. it's extremely luxurious, but it doesn't scream, who doesn't know it, it don't even notice it and I really like that. It's a luxury just for me... True, it costs a fortune, but I consider the money I spent as invested money, much more fun than treasuries. I can resell it if I need, but I can also think that my daughter will use it... I bought it in a boutique after putting myself on the waiting list, without any drama... if it would have arrive, good, if not, the same. After 15 months, I was contacted and, seeing that it was exactly as I had requested, I bought it. I wouldn't have accepted a bag in a color that I didn't need, or in a different size, because I wasn't interested in having a birkin at all costs, but in having the bag that I like and that perfectly completes my wardrobe.

@hellocatwalkcity

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely agree. For handbag enthusiasts, a Birkin or really any other well-made bag can bring joy when we use them. I’m with you - no point in accepting a bag from Hermes unless it fits your preferences precisely. Otherwise, money truly wasted! Enjoy your Birkin!

This isn't an everyday bag for me because I prefer being able to go hands free. That said, the look of this bag, its simplicity and refinement, sparks joy for me. My B30 holds a good amount for the day and it just makes me happy to look at and I actually like that it's just an open compartment and I have the option to use an organizer or not. I do think the cost is silly, and the aftermarket costs even moreso, but the imitation styles just don't appeal to me from an aesthetic standpoint nearly as much.

I am a bag maker and I use the saddle stitch on all of my makes. It is true that it uses two needles, and it is true that the seam will not fall apart like a machine sewn one. The saddle stitch is not exclusive to Hermés although I've heard that Hermés invented it. I don't know if that is true.

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

So interesting! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

I’ve seen the HERMES BAG upclose and personal. It is beauuuutiful!!! But in my opinion it doesn’t cost over $20K to make tht whatever X whatever square size item. Even from ‘premium whatever animal’ skin 😊Unlike if you see a beauriful house : oh $1M - 5M because it has a Jacuzzi in balcony, it has a pool.. ppl to build it, the materials, the cost of the land in tht location, etc. I think HERMES manage to build its “brand”.. the image of wealth, prestige. With bag, in the market there are some other equally beautiful bags like (to my naked eyes) : FENDI! It is beautiful too or just tiny tiny bit less exquisite (perhaps), but cost less than Hermes. But if you carry a FENDI bag ppl won’t judge you as successful as RICH than if you carry a Hermes bag 😄

special bc of the possible old wives tale, that it's more valuable as soon as you leave the store and use it. however, I hear that about evelyns and picotins, too.. but chanel flaps sort of share that, and the LV neverfull kinda retains its value if in good condition. idk. I really want a birkin when I reach my mid life crisis age officially. I've always wants a birkin but I thought they were like $5K not $10K + and the prespend rumors and games some SAs play that you need to "prove yourself as worthwhile fangirl customer" turns me off. but I do fantasize about being offered one in a neutral color if I'm at a flagship store that just wants to make my touristy dreams come true. that would be lovely.

I’m a designer and someone that loves history and art & crafts, so while I appreciate the heritage and craftsmanship behind this bag, it’s just not practical enough for me as any form of bags - even if I don’t mind that money, it’s not a bag that I’ll likely use all the time, so then what’s the purpose of a bag at the end of the day? I know a craftsman at Hermes that makes only two type of bags and one of them is the Kelly. She’s very meticulous in everything she does but for her, it’s simply a well crafted bag (by her, lol). She’s also the most humble person. Crazy in the contrast right?

Its exclusivity and the fact it used to be made by one leather artisan in around 20 hours made it special, neither of which, I believe, apply today. Some parts are machine stitched and some parts by hand. Nobody can get all those stitches so even without the use of a machine but this would possibly still count as ‘hand sewn’. This bag, along with the Chanel classsic flap are the bags of the moment. Probably not in another few years but if you love the bag, this won’t matter.

Just a thought, I’m not sure why anyone would think the saddle stitching is special, certainly not for those who work with leather. I’ve only dabbled with leather for the last few months and dare I say the stitching is not hard to master, just way more time consuming to hand stitch. Togo leather is expensive, although you do not need to pay more than $500 to make a birkin. There are so many templates of the design out there to make your own birkin/kelly. I am a handbag lover, obviously if you’ve got the money to afford by all means spend to your heart’s content.

Buy the Birkin on Madison Ave, walk down to the Diamond District on West 47th Street , and sell the bag for double, all in the same day.

I’m traveling in Japan right now and saw my first Birkin bag in real life at a museum! I pointed it out to my boyfriend and was like omg it’s a real life Birkin. His response was “it doesn’t even look that good?”. Lol, I was just excited about the novelty, but at the end of the day, it’s just another bag.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not a Birkin fan. Neither am I with the Kelly. It’s way too structured for me. If I’m offered one, I’ll probably will take a Birkin or Kelly 25. But I much prefer a Chanel mini flap or a Constance or a Picotin 18/22. Like you said and I agreed, it’s just a bag…

Tanner Leatherstein here on YT has really changed my mind on luxury bags. With luxury you’re literally just paying for a name. A good quality long lasting leather bag isn’t cheap of course but it shouldn’t cost an arm a leg and jumping through hoops to get one…A Coach and Chanel bag will do the same thing and wear the same way the only difference is in the name…

If I had the money for an Hermes quota bag, I'd get a Kelly, but I like a couple of the non-quotas better, Evelyne and Roulis.

Thoughts on the Celine 16 bag in lieu of a Birkin?

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Great alternative. Unfortunately Celine doesn’t retain its value so buy the 16 if you’re sure you’ll have out and enjoy it for a long. The construction on the 16 is amazing. There’s a whole story behind the craftsmanship which I heard from a sales associate while I was in Europe. So cool.

Your comment about the Birkin being masculine makes a lot of sense. Jane Birkin had a very masculine style so it is a word that fits

The stitching is called saddle stitching...

I really cannot believe that one person is tracing and cutting the pattern pieces, and hand stitching and everything else on one bag rather than assembly line style. It makes no sense when you think about how many bags need to be made.

It's a beautiful bag if u can afford it , but enjoy it period , I think more and more are buying fakes because when someone owns 50 of these its way above besides costly ! The fakes and real are looking exactly same nowadays so hard to tell ! Pricing for fakes aprox $1000 per bag mirror quality! Vs $9000-$11000 from boutique!

I’m a man and kinda wanting to get at least one birkin but I’m not sure which color is good for a guy and how people will see me carrying it?

@nbrown5602

8 ай бұрын

A black or brown HAC.

@debw9879

8 ай бұрын

You be you. Get what you want, wear it with confidence and care little about what people think… good luck! ❤

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

I see men carrying Birkins more often than you might expect here in NYC. Go with what feels most like YOU. What works best for your wardrobe and style, and what feels most comfortable. Who cares what anyone else thinks. 😉

@BoywithLoveeee

8 ай бұрын

@@hellocatwalkcity maybe in New York it works but here in Hawaii , it’s very uncommon lol.

I think ppl get them cause those bags represents a very high socio economic status. Thats why the richer ppl want crocodile skin so they can be above those who have the togo leather ones ….

@hellocatwalkcity

7 ай бұрын

There’s definitely truth in this

Birkin 30 is too heavy for me. I do not have an occasion to wear it.

Hermes will not touch the handles if they get messed up😢😢😢

To me, it’s how expensive it is. I just also wanted to say that I saw a new hire at work walk in with a bag that looked like a Birkin bag yesterday. 😳 I was shocked and mortified for her. Not that she can’t afford it because the starting salary for our(her) position is 5 figures per month after deductions but still we work around senior people wearing worn out t shirts (and they probably make twice as her) . She was also wearing a shirt that emphasized her breasts 😳. I go out of my way to dress unnoticeable because I would feel like I need to work harder to prove myself that I can also do good work “despite” dressing feminine/ superficial…etc. I have a kid and I definitely can’t work overtime but Maybe she can and she’s confident about how good she is. Either way it’s so hard not to judge but her priorities and outlook on life is probably just different than mine so I’ll forget it after I post this . I think I was just raised in a culture where you were expected to hide how much you have and that’s not how some people grow up

@hellocatwalkcity

7 ай бұрын

“Shocked and mortified” 😂 I get it. I’ve never brought my Birkin to the office even though it probably wouldn’t have caused much of a stir. I suppose, to each their own, right?

it's a saddle stick, believe it comes from their equestrian heritage

It’s just another bag. In fact they’re not rare nor special where I live. Definitely associated with the housewives. People with cool style don’t carry Hermes bags.

I am kind of tired of hearing about Hermes bags. Yes, they are nice but unpractical in my opinion. They look heavy and why risk being robbed! No sense in having a bag you are afraid to enjoy.

For someone like me who loves bringing a tote bag that is functional, good quality, subdued in design but still stylish - I definitely like to own an Hermes Birkin. But it is waaaay overrated and I say that without bitterness. Hermes obviously capitalised on a marketing ploy that touches upon people’s nature of wanting the unattainable. The bag is so overpriced. Not only that, it is hyped on exclusivity.

I want to trash my bags like a bag but I can’t. 😅 I’ll do better my lady & use them. 🙏🏼😆😘😘😘Sandy

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

One day they’ll all be trash anyway! 😂

It's a bag. it's meant to be utilitarian. Also, there's no way it's rare or exclusive. If you have the money, there's no such a thing.

I have never seen one in real life. I am sure it is very beautiful, with great leather, craftmanship etc etc but it is way too expensive for me to spend on ‘just a bag’ Not to mention it doesn’t appear to be practical for my lifestyle I would be tooo scared to use it!!

Are you ok? You sound very down in this video

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

Aww thank you for asking. I must’ve been low energy. Still trying to recover. Thank you for noticing and taking the time to check on me. So sweet. I appreciate it. ❤

Totally a scam and con for people who gave less than$100mil

Encore une qui se pavane avec un faux birkin.

I’m so glad you mentioned that you won’t necessarily make money off of it! So many people think you can just flip it for a profit and the reality is consigners take a big chunk and to sell on your own is scary especially considering how much it is. It’s stunning and I personally love it but we need to be realistic. And you are right, it is just a bag. 🤎🤎🤎

@hellocatwalkcity

8 ай бұрын

It’s all part of the hype, even the resale part.

Thank you for being honest. As much as I want one , for me it isn’t realistic . I’m a stay at home mom to 5 kiddos so it’s not in the cards for me unfortunately. Maybe I wanted one just to say I wanted one to feel like I’m “in “. I know people look down upon other brands. I never know what’s in but at the end of the day I shouldn’t care. I working on that 🤍

@hellocatwalkcity

6 ай бұрын

It’s just another bag at the end of the day. 😉

Birkin definitely not fit my lifestyle. I like crossbody or at least have pockets outside for easy access for my phones. Just as Classic Chanel bag, as much as I love it, it’s so not practical for me. Just like you I want to enjoy my bags. Not just sth pretty to look at.