There are so many extraordinary things in this life that money simply cannot buy. Equally, there are many extraordinary things that can only be yours after money has been exchanged. Sadly, a Birkin bag falls into the latter category. Topping the wish lists of fashion people across the globe, there may be no other material item more highly coveted than the inimitable Hermès Birkin handbag, nor harder to get your hands on. Named after French style icon Jane Birkin, the bag is widely regarded as one of the classiest on the market and one of—if not the most—exclusive. Whilst the resale of Birkin bags is less strict (though you can still expect to pay a premium), buying one new is a lengthy process, with huge demand, unpredictable stock levels, Hermès sales assistants and yet more hurdles standing between you and that bag.
If you’re lucky enough to be approved to buy one (yes, you can be refused), there’s no guarantee the assistant will offer you the colour or finish you want either—I’ve heard of people asking to purchase the black colourway only to be presented with a pink option at the checkout. All of this only adds more mystery to the legend of the Birkin. Whilst the closest many of us will get to a Birkin bag is adding them to our vision boards (I, for one, fall into this category), there is a group of fortunate fashion devotees who count themselves as owners of the exclusive arm candy. Of that group, there is a subset of Birkin owners that the internet has fondly dubbed “Birkin moms”.