The Birkin Bag- the Birkin way
Taking much inspiration from Jane Birkin’s treatment of her own Birkin Bag- a bag typically prized and presented in pristine condition- this article will explore the idea that having a handbag personalised is far more interesting than having a handbag polished.
The Birkin Bag was released by Hermès in 1984, named after the Paris-based 60s and 70s style icon, Jane Birkin. Today, Birkin Bags retail up to USD$440,000 such as the Diamond Himalaya Birkin sold by Sotheby’s in 2022. Due to their rarity and exclusivity, Birkin bags are known to be collected and poised immaculately in storage. Paradoxically, Jane Birkin kept her own black togo Birkin bag looking used, worn and decorated with beads, key-chains and stickers.
“This bag shows wonderful signs of use by Birkin, such as the red cord tied around one of the handles, and bite marks from Birkin’s cat on the handle.”
-Bonhams, Knightsbridge
Jane Birkin’s namesake bag was customised to make it her own. Something about having used, characterful and personalised bag seems far more attractive than an untouched one. To use an analogy, bags done like Birkin’s are desirable alike how older, characterful houses feel more stylish than brand new, shiny houses.
How to: PERSONALISING A HANDBAG
This is my own red leather handbag that I’ve been using as a weekend bag, overnight bag, day bag and university bag for years. This bag was bought in Italy by my grandmother and houses and carries everything I need. Here, I’ve attached a NYC key-chain that I bought in an airport from a trip to New York. Key-chains that are sentimental, show a place you’ve travelled to or that are just very kitschy are stylish add-ons to your handbag. The contrast between a well-crafted/ designer leather handbag and kitschy decoration that’s on it is refreshing and distinctive. Adding ribbons to your handbags, key-chains and card-holders, beads or patches all bring a fresh look to your handbag.
Below, we’ve attached some kitsch adornments for your handbag that you can shop now.
A key-chain card holder can be seen on Birkin’s handbag. This pink key-chain cardholder can be bought on Amazon for £5.99
This Vivienne Westwood key-chain can be bought on Selfridges for £80
‘The Melting Girl’ key-chain can be bought at Heaven by Marc Jacobs for £70
Why is this TASTELESS?
Why is it that currently, handbags having a ‘used’ and characterful look to them feels most stylish? With the resurgence in the shadows of a sleazier look in fashion in rebellion of a ‘Clean Girl/ That Girl’ look that has been popularised since late 2021. Now, looking too ‘perfect’ in the way we dress or a pristine, shiny Birkin bag feels contrived and expressionless. Mary-Kate Olsen’s handbag is another example of a ‘worn’, customised handbag.
