Jane Birkin: Kim Kardashian owns a few Hermès Birkin bags but how much does it cost to buy just one?

The story goes that in 1984, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. As the French singer placed her travel bag in the overhead compartment, all of the contents fell out onto the floor. 

After explaining to the Hermès chief that she couldn’t find a decent leather weekend bag she liked. Dumas took this as inspiration for the soft leather Birkin bag we know today.

According to Harper’s Bazaar Jane Birkin only had one namesake bag in her possession at any given time (she would sell them when they become old and battered), but other celebrities live by 'the more Birkin's, the better' mantra.

It is the ‘It’ bag for any well known celebrity including Kim Kardashian who reportedly has 30 Birkin bags in a range of colours. Momager Kris Jenner has an entire room dedicated to her collection of 20 Birkin bags, which is estimated to be worth over $550,000.  

British model Kate Moss, fashion designer Victoria Beckham and younger sister of the Princess of Wales Pippa Matthews, are also owners of the infamous bag. Rapper Cardi B recently gifted her daughter Kulture, a pink Birkin Bag, $25,000 for her fifth birthday. However, it is reportedly YouTuber and socialite from Singapore, Jamie Chua, who actually owns the most, with over 200 Birkin Bags. 

How much is it to buy a Birkin Bag?

The Birkin bag prices start from $10,000. Second hand Birkin bags can be bought online via eBay or other auction houses like Sotheby’s but be warned the already expensive bag can go for a lot more than the RRP price tag. 

The Diamond Himalaya is infamous for being the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. In 2022, Sotheby's sold a Diamond Himalaya Birkin for over $450,000 USD. The Birkin's estimated retail price was $300,000 USD, but the rarity of the Hermès bag drives the price.

How to buy a Hermès Birkin bag?

Unlike every other handbag you can’t just walk into a Hermès shop and buy a Birkin bag. There are many factors and if you are lucky enough to have the money to purchase one you either need to be very famous or have a purchase history with the brand. 

How long is the Birkin bag waiting list?

According to Vogue there is no waitlist because demand for the Birkin Bag  outstrips supply, meaning that stock varies from store to store. However if you’re not a celebrity don’t be expecting a quick sale anytime soon. Some people reportedly had to wait over 6 months. 

Is a Birkin Bag a good investment? 

Absolutely! A report by Knight Frank in 2020 revealed an investment in the bag is better than stocks or gold. And in 2017, a study showed that the Birkin's value has increased by 500 per cent in the last 35 years. So forget buying a house and start investing in Birkin bags; it's not just a fashion accessory. Following the death of the iconic Jane Birkin, the value will undoubtedly increase even more.