4 Not-So-Usual Birkins That You'll Want On Your Arm
Because even the world’s most timeless handbag needs an update every now and then.
By Joe Tan,
You have probably heard of the Hermes Birkin and the airplane anecdote as told countless times by its co-creator Jane Birkin. Renowned for its timeless design and eye-watering price tag, the Birkin has – since its debut – become embedded in luxury lexicon as a true symbol of exclusiveness beloved by well-heeled shoppers worldwide.
But even the world’s most timeless handbag needs an update every now and then, so here are the latest iterations of the aforementioned arm candy.
First up is the Hermes Birkin 3 En 1 designed to mimic the features of a puzzle (read: a bag that can be taken apart and reassembled.) Comprising of a Barenia Faubourg calfskin tote and a removable canvas and leather clutch, the bag is so named for its versatile three-way carrying styles—to use the two separate components on their own, or assembled together to recreate a trompe-l’oeil of its original iteration. Fun!
The second version takes inspiration from Hermes’ equestrian roots and it is coined the Birkin 30 Barenia Faubourg in calfskin. Its defining new element comes in the form of a detachable harness feature that also allows it to be carried as a shoulder bag, a first for a Birkin.
Third on the list is the 35 Fray Fray in H twill canvas. This one follows the construct of the Birkin’s timeless design, albeit with its main leather body replaced with canvas and hand-fringed edges.
Then there’s the Haut a Courroies 40 cargo bag, originally designed as a carryall for equestrians to fit all their horse-riding essentials. In addition to its spacious capacity, this bag also comes equipped with numerous exterior pockets and – get this – a detachable water bottle holder.
A version of this article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Singapore