Hermès Birkins: a guide to the most coveted limited-editions (2024)

Discover the history behind Touch, Ghillies, Faubourg and Cargo Birkins — and other rare designs — and why it’s the constellation of details that matter. Illustrated with lots offered at Christie’s

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Hermès Birkins: a guide to the most coveted limited-editions (1)

A unique, matte boreal satine jaune citron niloticus crocodile birkin 25 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2022. Estimates: HK$ 400,000 – 500,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

What happens when one of the world’s most exclusive bags gets even rarer? Hermès only produces a limited quantity of its iconic Birkin each year, making the maison’s special editions, released every few years, incredibly difficult to get one’s hands on.

Created from start to finish by one craftsman, these handbags come in an array of materials and colours, and demand has never been higher.

Here, we delve into the limited-edition styles, which range from uniquely utilitarian designs to dramatic pieces made in collaboration with renowned designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier.

The Shadow Birkin

At once dramatic yet understated, the Shadow Birkin was first introduced in 2009 by famed French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès’s creative director from 2003 to 2010. A decade later, Hermès re-released the bag in limited numbers.

Gaultier made his mark on the house by reinterpreting classic styles in contemporary ways. For the Shadow, he sought to create a trompe-l’oeil effect through the illusion of a top flap and strap, shown casually strewn. In reality, the design is a raised impression, making it the only Birkin to stray from the traditional structure.

Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6481705?ldp_breadcrumb=back

A limited edition gold swift leather shadow birkin cut, Hermès, 2023. Estimates: HK$50,000-80,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

The Club Birkin

One of the sportiest designs from the house, the Club Birkin was first produced in 2012. Similar to the 2017 Touch Birkin, the Club often showcases exotic materials in its signature pair of vertical stripes.

Yet, like the later Sunrise Rainbow, colour-blocking is key. Therefore, the Club always includes a contrasting centre panel.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-hong-kong-edit/limited-edition-gris-perle-white-clemence-leather-shiny-mykonos-187/191566

. 35 w x 25 h x 18 d cm. Sold for HK$88,200 on 21 September 2023 at Christie’s Online

The Ghillies Birkin

One of Hermès’s most coveted and hard-to-find designs is the Ghillies, which is distinguished by its decorative trim.

Introduced in 2012, the Ghillies was an extension of the haute bijouterie jewellery collection produced in 2011 by Pierre Hardy, artistic director of jewellery at Hermès. The design is inspired by a Scottish men’s dress shoe of the same name, which has perforations known as ‘broguing’ that help the shoe dry more efficiently after outdoor activity.

Hardy drew from his own heritage and adapted it into something stylish and functional — the brogue, translated into a women’s bag, makes it look even more feminine and detailed.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-hong-kong-edit/limited-edition-argile-etoupe-swift-leather-ghillies-birkin-30-90/214493

. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Sold for HK$113,400 on 20 March 2024 at Christie’s Online

The Touch Birkin

Released in 2017, the Touch is Hermès’s answer to collectors looking for a hint of exotic material on their bags. This style is available in a variety of jewel tones and features a leather body with an alligator or crocodile top flap. Occasionally, other parts of the bag will also be highlighted by pops of exotic leather.

While collectors often prefer to wear their Birkins open for easy access to what’s inside, the Touch best presents its exceptional details when worn closed.

Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6481770?ldp_breadcrumb=back

. Estimates: HK$140,000-200,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

The Tressage Birkin

Bags from Hermès’s Tressage, or ‘braided,’ collection are defined by their panels of multicoloured woven leather. The Birkin iteration was introduced in 2018 and only produced in three colourways. It comes exclusively in 30 and 35cm sizes.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-new-york-edit/limited-edition-gold-bleu-du-nord-bleu-indigo-swift-epsom-leather-29/186391

. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Sold for $15,120 on 12 June 2023 at Christie’s Online

The Faubourg Birkin

One of Hermès’s latest ‘grail’ bags, the Faubourg Birkin was first introduced in a very limited edition at the end of 2019. Originally making its debut in two colourways, brown and navy, Hermès has now dazzled collectors with a new version in Beton. The style of the bag is modelled after the façade of the Hermès flagship at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and comes complete with orange awnings and a clochette designed after the house's iconic orange shopping bag.

The Faubourg is the first Birkin to be crafted in a 20 centimetre size, and it is finished with sleek Sellier stitching, a detail typically reserved for Kellys.

Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6481740?ldp_breadcrumb=back

. Estimates: HK$1,200,000 – 2,200,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

The Sunrise and Sunset Birkins

First produced in 2020, the Sunrise and Sunset Rainbows are exclusive Birkins finished with Sellier stitching. Generally reserved for the houses’s Kelly handbags, ‘sellier’ refers to the visible outside stitching which gives the bag a crisper, more structured shape.

An eye-catching design that is perfect for the summer season, the Sunset handbag’s colour-blocked effect combines Lime, Rose Confetti, Terre Battue, and Sesame, while the Sunset version features Cricot, Bleu Agate, Magnolia and Rouge Casaque Epsom leather.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-new-york-edit/limited-edition-lime-sesame-rose-confetti-terre-battue-epsom-leather-69/187250

. 35 w x 25 h x 18 d cm. Sold for $15,120 on 12 June 2023 at Christie’s Online

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-new-york-edit/limited-edition-abricot-bleu-agate-magnolia-rouge-casaque-epsom-11/186374

. 35 w x 25 h x 18 d cm. Sold for $20,160 on 12 June 2023 at Christie’s Online

The Cargo Birkin

Making its debut in 2020, the Cargo Birkin is another one of Hermès’s newest limited-edition styles. Crafted in lightweight canvas and sporting five outer pockets, it is the most functional Birkin to date.

At its conception in 1981, the Birkin bag was celebrated for its practicality in comparison to other bags at the time. Four decades later, Hermès has cleverly played on that original principle of practicality with the addition of something for those busy mornings on the go — a coffee cup holder.

Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6481700?ldp_breadcrumb=back

. Estimates: HK$120,000 – 180,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

The So Black Birkin

The So Black collection was not always as coveted as it is today. Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, the black hardware effect is created thanks to a special PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating. When it was first released in 2010, it was swiftly pulled from distribution because the delicate nature of the hardware made consumers wary that it was impractical. Of course, this only served to attract collectors. Offered in either Calf Box Leather or Matte Crocodile, the exotic iteration is significantly more valuable and among the most sought-after Hermès bags.

Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6481776?ldp_breadcrumb=back

A limited edition calf box leather so black birkin 30 with black pvd hardware, Hermès, 2011. Estimates: HK$160,000 – 240,000. Offered in on 25 May 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

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The 3 in 1 Birkin

The 3 in 1 Birkin, which first graced the runway at Paris Fashion Week in spring 2021, is defined by versatility. The distinctive pochette can be attached to the handbag and used as an compartment or removed and carried as a standalone clutch.

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online/limited-edition-black-togo-swift-leather-3-1-birkin-30-gold-hardware-146/221426

. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Sold for €21,420 on 25 April 2024 at Christie’s Online

Open link https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online/limited-edition-gold-togo-swift-leather-toile-h-3-1-birkin-30-gold-212/221492

. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Sold for €21,420 on 25 April 2024 at Christie’s Online

When detached from the pochette, the bag becomes a handy tote. At once capacious and compact, this clever reinvention of the classic Birkin silhouette is a must-have for seamless transitions from day to evening. For the ultimate Hermes lover, we recommend collecting multiple 3 in 1 Birkins and swapping their pochettes for a bold bi-colour look.

Explore Christie’s spring auction, Handbags Online: The Paris Edit, running until 25 April 2024

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Hermès Birkins: a guide to the most coveted limited-editions (2024)

FAQs

What is the most sought after Birkin size? ›

While it took some time for this new mini Birkin size to gain in popularity, the Birkin 25 is now the most sought after size. The Birkin 25 is the smallest standard Birkin and measures 25 cm across the top. The Birkin 25 is the most popular size in Asia.

Who owns the rarest Birkin bag? ›

Who owns the rarest Birkin? The rarest Birkin bag is the Himalayan Birkin, which Jamie Chua unsurprisingly also owns. The rarity of Hermès bags also keeps the demand for them high too.

What is the most in demand Hermès bag? ›

1 | The Hermès Birkin: Timeless and Most Coveted

The most coveted Hermès bag is the iconic Birkin bag introduced in 1984. Named after actress and “it girl” Jane Birkin, this timeless Hermès bag comes in many color ways, materials and sizes.

Which Hermès bag is a good investment? ›

The value of a Birkin bag skyrockets from the moment it leaves the Hermès store. That's partly because not just any regular person can buy the bag. Only customers with a sizable purchase history at the brand are offered the opportunity to buy a “quota bag,” such as a Birkin or a Kelly.

How many Birkin bags can you buy a year? ›

No one is allowed to buy more than two quota bags in a given year. So, what is an Hermès quota bag? Strictly speaking, any Birkin or Kelly bag, including the Mini Kelly II, is considered a quota bag, and its purchase is restricted. However, some boutiques also include the Hermès Constance among their quota bags.

Do all Birkin bags go up in value? ›

Birkin bags can double in value in 5 years — some styles up to $450K — and are a better investment than gold: luxury expert. Hermès' highly coveted Birkin handbag becomes even more coveted after it leaves the store — doubling in value in as little as five years, according to a luxury expert.

Can a regular person buy a Birkin? ›

Only customers with an extensive purchase history at the French brand are offered the opportunity to buy “quota bags” such as the Birkin or the Kelly. This practice, dubbed “the Hermès game,” has kept the bags exclusive—but it's also ruffled many feathers.

What celebrity has the most Birkin bags? ›

Other known large collections of Birkin bags include: Singapore socialite Jamie Chua, who reportedly owns more than 200 Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, and celebrity fashion designer Victoria Beckham, who reportedly has more than 100 Birkin bags.

Who owns the tiniest Birkin bag in the world? ›

Real Housewives of Dallas star Tiffany Moon proudly shows off her $3 MILLION closet, which has a special FINGERPRINT lock and is home to millions of dollars worth of Hermès bags - including 'the world's tiniest Birkin'

What is the hardest Hermès bag to get? ›

The Ghillies Birkin

One of Hermès's most coveted and hard-to-find designs is the Ghillies, which is distinguished by its decorative trim.

Which is harder to get, Birkin or Kelly? ›

Well, then you've definitely heard of the infamous Kelly bags. This Hermès bag is a customer favourite but can be as tricky to obtain as Birkin bags. However, the Birkin tends to be more elusive because of its iconic status in the fashion world. It's also the price point that makes Hermès bags more attainable.

Is Hermès more luxury than Chanel? ›

Both Hermès and Chanel's starting prices for bags are in the thousands of dollars, with Chanel's most affordable offering at $1,700. Hermès prices are overall higher, with Birkin prices starting at over $9,000.

Which Hermès bag holds its value? ›

Hermès Kelly Bag

For many years, the Birkin topped all Hermès bags in demand and resale value. However, today, the Mini Hermès Kelly bag indisputably tops any list of handbags with the best resale value.

What is the most iconic Hermès bag? ›

The Birkin bag | How and where to buy Hermès' most iconic design.

Are Birkins a better investment than gold? ›

James Firestein, founder of luxury resale and authentication platform OpenLuxury, told Fortune: “the resale value of particularly the Birkin and Kelly bags over the past 10 years has outpaced gold.

What is the most popular size Hermès? ›

Birkin 25

This size is one of the most sought after styles because of its versatility - it can be carried by hand and worn in the evening. Yet, it is still big enough to carry a practical amount of items within.

What is more expensive, Birkin 25 or 30? ›

The cost of a leather Birkin 25 in pristine or store fresh condition generally ranges from $25,000-$35,000. The cost of a leather Birkin 30 in the same condition is generally slightly lower in the $20,000-$30,000.

What is the most popular Kelly size? ›

Popular Hermès Kelly Sizes

The most popular Hermès Kelly bags are the Mini Kelly 20, Kelly 25 and the Kelly 28. These Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 sizes fit everyday essentials, with the Kelly 28 providing more room for necessities.

Is Birkin 25 hard to get? ›

Well, then you've definitely heard of the infamous Kelly bags. This Hermès bag is a customer favourite but can be as tricky to obtain as Birkin bags. However, the Birkin tends to be more elusive because of its iconic status in the fashion world. It's also the price point that makes Hermès bags more attainable.

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