If there’s one luxury handbag that virtually everyone has at least heard of, if not coveted for themselves, it’s the Hermès Birkin. A collection that was first released by Hermès in 1984 as a result of an on-plane conversation with actress Jane Birkin, the Birkin 25 has become the pinnacle of luxury – and something that, here at Love Luxury, we are always excited to see arriving in store.
Having said that, while the Hermès Birkin 25 denotes a specific shape and size of bag, there are many different styles, looks, and materials that give each individual Birkin its own personality – and which draw in different buyers depending on what they’re looking for and how they intend to use their bag.
In this article, we’re taking you on a tour of the Hermès Birkin 25 – starting with the history, before considering a few specific models and features worth noting.
The History of the Hermès Birkin 25
The Hermès Birkin was born when then-Executive Chairman (Jean-Louis Dumas) of the luxury brand was sat next to actress Jane Birkin on a plane and got into a conversation about how none of her luxury bags offered the functional storage and user-friendly functions she really needed.
Struck with inspiration, this got Jean-Louis Dumas thinking about a new product for Hermès – returning with the idea for the Birkin, which would suit a young mother like Jane Birkin herself and allow her a little indulgence combining both practical design and timeless style.
Ever since its first release on the market, the Birkin 25 has risen to become one of the chicest accessories on the luxury market. It is recognised as a staple accessory for the everyday woman and is now available in a wide range of colours and materials despite first only being released in the softer and more relaxed Retourne style.
The Hermès Birkin Togo is named as such for the soft and supple leather that is used in the construction of the bag. Togo leather is derived from calfskin and boasts a soft-touch finish which is in high demand across the luxury handbag industry.
In the Hermès Birkin market, it is used to make soft-edged pieces which retain their shape but do not offer the same rigidity as other materials and bags in the Hermès collection. However, it offers the same kind of functionality as any other Birkin, with an inside slip pocket and zip for extra security.
Everything you need to know about the Hermès Birkin Cargo
The Birkin 25 Cargo was classed on release as a limited edition bag, in that it breaks from the norms of the collection and boasts a few extra features and accessories.
One of the biggest differences between the Hermès Birkin 25 Cargo and other Birkin 25 bags is the material used – the Cargo is crafted from canvas rather than the standard leather materials. This makes the bag robust and offers an almost masculine aesthetic finish to the bag. Another feature of the Cargo is the extra pockets which optimise utilisation – a key selling point of any Hermès Birkin, and a large part of the original brief that helped to build the collection.
Measurements of the Hermès Birkin 25
As the smallest standard bag in the Birkin range, the Birkin 25 breaks from the overview of the Birkin in that it marks a return to small handbags and pieces which sit in the hand rather than over the shoulder. Having said that, and despite standing apart from the original brief in which Jane Birkin called for a bigger but stylish bag for young mums, the Birkin 25 offers many features as outlined above which make it just as functional as it is stylish. Standing at 10 inches wide, 7.5 inches high, and 4.75 inches deep, the Birkin 25 boasts a defined structure across its plethora of material finishes – which means that the Birkin 25 can be found with both the iconic Hermès rigid structure or with a softer finish, depending on which you prefer.
What colours are available for the Hermès Birkin 25?
The Birkin 25 is available in a multitude of colourways, with different colours of material and hardware boasting different price tags. In addition to the price, some colourways are more in-demand than others – for example, rose gold hardware is very rare and so is very highly coveted.
How much does a Hermès Birkin 25 cost?
The cost of a Birkin 25 depends largely on the model and specific piece that you go for. For example, the Birkin 25 Cargo that we mentioned earlier sells for around 10,820 retail while a standard Birkin 25 will generally sell for between £7,000 and £8,000 from Hermès directly..
In addition to the model and specifics of the piece you are looking to buy, the cost of an Hermès Birkin 25 can be affected by its condition, colour, where you buy it from, and when you buy it.
Is the Hermès Birkin 25 a worthwhile investment?
To understand the investment potential of a Birkin handbag, it is first worth noting that the Hermès Birkin has been steadily rising in value by around 14.2% every year. This, combined with the fact that nobody really knows how many of each model and new release are being produced, causes an immense spike in demand every time a new Birkin model hits the market – with the Birkin 25 coveted not only because of its low-stock-high-demand investment potential but because its compact design and high-quality features make it a chic accessory for any buyer.
Where can I buy a Hermès Birkin 25?
The first way to answer this question is to consider the two different markets you can buy an Hermès Birkin bag from. The first, the brand-new retail market, can see you joining a waitlist for years – waiting for bags to be released and sometimes being overlooked in favour of a celebrity or high-status buyer. The coveted nature of the Birkin 25 is such that every release has a long waitlist of potential buyers – driving demand and the value of each individual piece even higher.
The alternative is to buy a Hermès Birkin 25 through a reputable reseller like Love Luxury, with our boutique store in Knightsbridge offering the ideal site from which customers can visit us, discuss their needs and preferences, and browse the Hermès and other luxury handbags we have in stock. Our handbags are also available on our website, with regular updates depending on what we have in store at any one time.
Wherever you buy a Hermès Birkin 25 from, make sure that your purchase comes with a certificate of authentication, including a CITES if your bag is made from exotic animal skin.
