A brand recognised for its statement logo, its coveted designer status, and the fact that the high price tags and low supply mean that bags are extremely difficult to come by; Hermès continues to be one of the best luxury brands to invest in, more than 180 years after it was founded.
One of the most iconic bags in the Hermès collection is the Birkin, which was launched in 1984 after the Creative Director for Hermès sat next to Jane Birkin on a plane and discussed the complexities of the accessories that women had access to, and what needed to change to optimise functionality as well as style. And so, the Birkin came to be – a bag now known for having the longest wait list in history.
History of the Hermès Birkin 35
The 35 in the title of this Hermès bag refers to its size, which measures 35cm. It is arguably the most iconic size of Birkin – chic enough to carry on one arm, small enough to be easily portable as you go about your daily business, and with sufficient space and pockets for all your essential possessions and must-haves and notably the original size carried by Jane Birkin herself.
In fact, thanks to its link with the modern fashion-forward woman, the Birkin 35 has made a name for itself in Hollywood – featured in Sex and the City and on the arms of many A-list celebrities, with a plethora of styles, colours, and finishes available for huge sums of money on the investment market.
This particular Hermès Birkin 35 is finished in a shiny finish with solid 18-carat white gold and diamond hardware. With Hermès releasing their first bag with diamond detailing around 20 years ago, the demand and coveted status of bags with these diamond details were so high that Hermès released a series of pieces replicating these sparkling features – including this Birkin 35.
The diamonds are set into the 18ct white gold features, which add a touch of glamour to the overall aesthetic of the bag and elevate its value and coveted status immensely. In terms of value and hardware weight, the diamonds amount to more than 10 carats, set into 170g of white gold which alone is worth £6,500.
The bag itself boasts a shiny porosus crocodile skin – meaning it is made from saltwater crocodile skin and can hold its shape perfectly. Finally, it is worth noting that every bag in the Hermès collection is made by a sole crafter whose job it is to produce perfection – as explored later in this piece. All of this combined adds to its high status and value.
What other features are included on the Hermès Birkin 35?
It is hard to overlook the immense beauty and value of the hardware, which contributes greatly to the value and status of this bag as one of Hermès’ most popular. However, the hardware is not the only selling point of the bag, which is also popular for its traditional Hermès lock, for the integrated pocket inside the bag’s lining, and for the minute details which let you know that this is indeed made from a porosus crocodile skin (the tiny dot in the centre of each scale, and the arrow pointing upwards next to the logo).
How is this Hermès Birkin 35 produced?
Every Hermès bag is made by a single atelier, meaning that an individual crafter is responsible for bringing the entire structure with all the fine details to life.
The process starts with cutting the leather, stitching, and then adding the finishing touches.
How much does this Hermès Birkin 35 model cost?
This particular bag from the Hermès Birkin 35 collection was produced in 2011 as dictated by the date stamp. On the secondary market, this bag is worth £120,000 – though a bag of this same finish and aesthetic was sold in the East for $250,000, demonstrating the immense value that comes from the finer details of this model, its material, and of course the limited status which makes it a must-have for investors from all walks of life.
Where can I buy a Hermès Birkin 35?
A brand that has become famous for its waitlist, getting your hands on an Hermès Birkin 35 is like getting your hands on gold dust. While demand varies depending on the colour and specific model, the Birkin 35 boasts elite coveted status and as such is extremely hard to come by.
Your best option for buying a Hermès Birkin 35 is through the resale market, as the wait list for brand new release bags is extensive and can generally only be entered by direct recommendation of a sales assistant for exotic skins.
Opinions on the Hermès Birkin 35 as an investment
The fact is this bag is not just a huge investment with great earning potential for any buyer who is able to source and purchase one. It is also a big statement which can pull together, compliment, and bring to life any look or outfit – making it a playful and eye-catching addition to your wardrobe.
Combining the popularity of the Hermès Birkin 35 in size and stature, with the rare diamond and white gold hardware which elevates this piece and pitches it above so many other Birkin’s on the market, finding an authentic version of this bag is a sure-fire way to secure a long-lasting, lucrative investment.
If you want to receive a formal valuation on an Hermès or other designer bag, or you want to learn more about buying authentic accessories and luxury goods as investment pieces, reach out to Love Luxury via our website or our London store.
