Can someone explain the Birkin/Kelly obsession to me?

[880]

In many ways this was not the question to ask Hermes enthusiasts, because we have a different perspective. It needs to be addressed to the people who don't own any piece of Hermes, let alone a B or K

no, I don’t think you can explain the obsession to someone who doesnt own a piece of H. If someone wants a BK there is no need to explain.

There are higher quality bags (my artisanal buffalo Dalmatian bag that is entirely hand stitched by a master craftsperson);
there are more fashionable bags (possibly a chanel micro stingray Or my favorite LV sprouse black and white long alma);
there are more practical bags (any bag with a crossbody strap or outside pocket or that is lighter in weight, like my H mini Della cavalleria or perhaps my loewe mini puzzle)

it’s really only how my favorite BKs make me feel sleeker, thinner, better dressed. DH calls my 28 box sellier K Bleu Abysse, PHW, brushed by @docride, the sexiest bag in the world.

 

[WhiteBus]

I don't disagree with any of the reasons you present,
but they are the arguments of a bag (not necessarily, Hermes) enthusiast.
Heaven knows it would be easy to claim that Bs and Ks are the most awkward bags in the world to use.

I took the thread question as being about people who are much less infirmed;
a bit like people wanting an Aga, with no first hand experience - not realising you have to develop a different approach to cooking.

 

[Lejic]

I don't disagree with any of the reasons you present,
but they are the arguments of a bag (not necessarily, Hermes) enthusiast.
Heaven knows it would be easy to claim that Bs and Ks are the most awkward bags in the world to use.

I took the thread question as being about people who are much less infirmed;
a bit like people wanting an Aga, with no first hand experience - not realising you have to develop a different approach to cooking.

I agree with this. There’s a plethora of people who want a Birkin or Kelly when they don’t even like handbags all that much, let alone caring about the craftsmanship. Hope I don’t anger anyone but I feel the same about some people who buy Rolexes. One friend did and said something’s off with it, it’s a couple minutes off no matter what she does, it drifts in a month or so. I said “yup they’re not known to be accurate”. She was shocked! So yeah, every luxury item has desirers that aren’t metiers or enthusiasts of the whole “genre”. Cars, watches, bags, dresses…

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I don't disagree with any of the reasons you present,
but they are the arguments of a bag (not necessarily, Hermes) enthusiast.
Heaven knows it would be easy to claim that Bs and Ks are the most awkward bags in the world to use.

I took the thread question as being about people who are much less infirmed;
a bit like people wanting an Aga, with no first hand experience - not realising you have to develop a different approach to cooking.

Much truth in this post..The Kelly is definitely fiddly to open and close and the Birkin as hand carry only isn't for everyone.
Sad to confess I am that woman who dreams of owning Aga but clueless as to how one actually cooks on the thing!
Back on topic;
I think the longstanding appeal and obsession with the Birkin and Kelly are because:
The original Birkin (ie: not shrunken or reconfigured in some way) is a perfect tote bag-suitable for the busy modern woman, you can use it for work, throw children's toys or a lunchbox in it, use it for travel too.
The Kelly is an elegant handbag-theres no other way to put it, its ladylike and classic in sellier style.
and with the shoulder strap option it can be styled to work with any outfit.
Go for a Retourne kelly and it looks more modern, carefree.
One could argue that a Kelly Sellier 28, A retourne Kelly 32 and a 35 or 40 Cm Birkin are the only bags one would ever need.

 

[880]

a bit like people wanting an Aga, with no first hand experience - not realising you have to develop a different approach to cooking.

my interior decorator would say he knows a lot of those people lol. Use of the item is in incidental to possession of a coveted one.

I agree with this. There’s a plethora of people who want a Birkin or Kelly when they don’t even like handbags all that much, let alone caring about the craftsmanship. Hope I don’t anger anyone but I feel the same about some people who buy Rolexes. One friend did and said something’s off with it, it’s a couple minutes off no matter what she does, it drifts in a month or so. I said “yup they’re not known to be accurate”. She was shocked! So yeah, every luxury item has desirers that aren’t metiers or enthusiasts of the whole “genre”. Cars, watches, bags, dresses…

@cravin described how the purchase resulted in the awareness and gratitude that came with knowing one was grown up and successful enough to choose to indulge in a BK.

a BK might be for many an icon or signifier beyond being a high quality bag.

the OP started this thread with the statement that she did not find a BK appealing. . . I wonder if she changed her mind

 

[WhiteBus]

a BK might be for many an icon or signifier beyond being a high quality bag.

That sums it up perfectly. You have removed the rationale of quality or functionality.

 

[Culoucou]

I own luxury bags but I've never been interested in the Birkin/Kelly or pretty much anything Hermes. A brand's look needs to match your style and that just isn't Hermes for me. I have a friend who has been trying to get her hand on a Birkin/Kelly for a while now and has probably spent about $15K+ at Hermes over the past year in the hopes that she gets one. That alone has turned me off from Hermes as a brand. Seems like a toxic relationship with a guy you like who just won't commit LOL My friend tells me that one day I will understand and will want a Birkin/Kelly as well. I own Chanel and that is THRILLING for me haha can someone explain to me what the big deal with Birkin/Kelly is? *not trying to offend anybody's love for Hermes

I remember when I first thought to myself "I'd really like a black b25 GHW". I thought once I got this bag, I would possibly want a Kelly and that would be the end of it. How wrong I was.

Since buying Hermes bags, I have stopped purchasing Chanel bags and all bags from other brands. This is quite a common experience for other Hermes bag owners. It's also an interesting phenomenon - there are few other bags (perhaps only Chanel classic comes to mind) where you would want to own multiple of the same bag in different colours/leathers.

The bags have a wonderful quality to them, there is definitely superior craftsmanship and I have also sent my bags to spa with good results upon return. There is an element of timelessness to the bags - I started collecting in my 20s and I feel I can use the bags when I'm 80. As someone who doesn't enjoy constant fast fashion, there is a real joy to owning and cherishing something for a long, long time. I personally favour the Kelly, because the lack of visible logos makes the bag really quite understated. The luxury of the bag comes from that personal enjoyment of such a wonderfully crafted piece.

I also used to purchase Chanel RTW but now I spend more money on the timeless pieces Hermes produces (in some ways, it feels like better value than Chanel given the Chanel RTW prices these days).

 

[rachrach1017]

I remember when I first thought to myself "I'd really like a black b25 GHW". I thought once I got this bag, I would possibly want a Kelly and that would be the end of it. How wrong I was.

Since buying Hermes bags, I have stopped purchasing Chanel bags and all bags from other brands. This is quite a common experience for other Hermes bag owners. It's also an interesting phenomenon - there are few other bags (perhaps only Chanel classic comes to mind) where you would want to own multiple of the same bag in different colours/leathers.

The bags have a wonderful quality to them, there is definitely superior craftsmanship and I have also sent my bags to spa with good results upon return. There is an element of timelessness to the bags - I started collecting in my 20s and I feel I can use the bags when I'm 80. As someone who doesn't enjoy constant fast fashion, there is a real joy to owning and cherishing something for a long, long time. I personally favour the Kelly, because the lack of visible logos makes the bag really quite understated. The luxury of the bag comes from that personal enjoyment of such a wonderfully crafted piece.

I also used to purchase Chanel RTW but now I spend more money on the timeless pieces Hermes produces (in some ways, it feels like better value than Chanel given the Chanel RTW prices these days).

Exactly how I feel. 100% agree with everything that you said. I admire the craftsmanship and the functionality yet understated of B, K and everything H. But since all these influencers and A-listers are posting with the bags (esp B/K) it’s all over the place. Some People tends to think that having b/k is a badge of status and just to prove that you’re an elite person or whatever it maybe.

To me, H has much more to offer than just B or K or even C. If you ask people who only follow fast fashion trends, most of them don’t even know what other bags H has to offered.. let alone RTW..

I like to have things that are understated yet luxurious and would last me for a lifetime. I admitted that B/K weren’t my first choices but once I started to learn how they made, all the craftsmanship and how artisans spending their time to create each and every single one of them. I’m hooked.

Besides H, I owned several high end brands (Chanel, Dior, Fendi etc.) and those have been sitting in my closet every since I started to buy H items.

To the OP, you might need to start looking into H items and everything in between. It might change your point of view.

 

[Alienza]

So far I am not interested in Birkin and Kelly. They are not practical for me. I have 2 Hermes bags that suit my lifestyle. Maybe sometime in the future if my lifestyle changes, I will want B/K. Although I think I’d still prefer to have another, longer, luxury holiday in Santorini with my family, to a birkin or a kelly . And when I’m there I will carry my Evelyn so I‘ll have free hands to browse pretty jewelry.
Regarding craftsmanship, H bags are good but I think there are other brands that are comparable. Older LV and gucci leather bags have great craftsmanship too. I think its more about image of exclusivity and higher social status that H bags have. Or maybe other brands’ quality and concept changed while H stays the same..?

 

[MulberryHeaux]

When I was much younger, my Holy Grail was a Birkin, however during my “bag journey” i came to realize that the B/K bags DID NOT fit well with my lifestyle.

I live in a laid back beach city where casual is the vibe. It’s all about practicality for me.

I do own an Hermes Evelyn GM, which works so well in my life, that I’ve just put my name on the list for another one in a different color.

I also just picked up an Hermes Maline (canvas and leather backpack) that is extremely functional, low key, light and easy.

I don’t see a lot of chatter about the Maline bags, and there is no clubhouse here for them, so I assume that they are not very popular…..likely because they are canvas and very affordable ( for Hermes, anyways), so maybe some consider them basic?

IMHO, Hermes is Hermes. My Maline is the same incredible quality as my Evelyn and I ADORE them both.

life is too short, carry what you like and what suits your life!!

Cheers!

I really want a new backpack to add to my backpack collection. How much was this Maline?

 

[MulberryHeaux]

Exactly how I feel. 100% agree with everything that you said. I admire the craftsmanship and the functionality yet understated of B, K and everything H. But since all these influencers and A-listers are posting with the bags (esp B/K) it’s all over the place. Some People tends to think that having b/k is a badge of status and just to prove that you’re an elite person or whatever it maybe.

To me, H has much more to offer than just B or K or even C. If you ask people who only follow fast fashion trends, most of them don’t even know what other bags H has to offered.. let alone RTW..

I like to have things that are understated yet luxurious and would last me for a lifetime. I admitted that B/K weren’t my first choices but once I started to learn how they made, all the craftsmanship and how artisans spending their time to create each and every single one of them. I’m hooked.

Besides H, I owned several high end brands (Chanel, Dior, Fendi etc.) and those have been sitting in my closet every since I started to buy H items.

To the OP, you might need to start looking into H items and everything in between. It might change your point of view.

I'm not at all interested in the Birkin but when I'm older I could possibly be swayed by a Black Kelly with paladium HW. What I really want is a backpack because I will use it. Out of boredom I began looking at the RTW and was very impressed with the knits and tops. I didn't think I would be, I assumed I would not enjoy the RTW. I was so wrong. For my next big birthday I'm getting RTW because I think I'd get so much more use and pleasure from Hermes clothing verses the Kelly which I'd probably only wear once or twice a year.

 

[Etriers]

So much silliness gets put out there and it gets parroted about as if it were gospel. There are pros and cons to every choice.

A Birkin is heavy but it is a durable tote, it has feet, it has a lock, pockets, expandable gussets, a reinforced bottom and a leather lining. It comes in a universe of colors, it will be accepted for a lifetime for repair by its manufacturer, it holds its value, and the label is discreet and not visible when the flap is closed. The leather is sumptuously beautiful, and one bag will probably last a lifetime with regular spa visits.

That’s a whole lotta’ pros. It’s not really unfathomable why the bag is popular. I’m perplexed at the perplexity. There really are not that many (any?) other tote bags out there that can boast that exact list of stellar features. If so, please enlighten me.

The Birkin caught hold because it’s a special, unique bag. That celebrities carry it at this point is, quite frankly, neither here nor there. The same thing goes for the ever popular LV monogram canvas, and Rolex-bashing. For an automatic movement, Rolex is in fact very accurate. After 2015 every watch in the line was a chronometer. Is it possible to get a more accurate atomic or quartz? Sure, but my last quartz watch was gone two months out of every year getting opened up, the battery relaced and re-waterproofed. This is not a thread about Rolexes—my point is there are pros and cons to these choices. My Rolex is accurate, I sleep in it, shower in it, swim in it, bash the dang thing around and it looks fabulous. The accuracy is guaranteed for 5 years and Rolex doesn’t need to see it for 10. I can live with that. I buy Birkins for very similar reasons.

I think we have to assume that long-lived houses have reputations for a reason, and I don’t think we can write that off entirely to the ignorance and cluelessness of us shallow and feckless owners. Maybe (just maybe) some of these products are popular for good reason.

 

[EllenTsai]

One thing I really don’t like is B/K being touted by the ‘elegant women/ hypergamy’ trope on social media as a success symbol of really unhealthy relationship dynamics

 

[Noorasi]

For me, the B/K obsession boils down to the fact that those Birkins are viewed as the gold standard of bags. As with most consumer goods and brands, people tend to start with a more affordable and accessible product and then work their way up, as we are living in a consumerist society where we're encouraged to always seek a better option. Purchasing a Birkin bag signifies that you've reached the gold standard level and can stop that perpetual search for a better option.

I'd say that a Birkin can offer some peace of mind for many, as they can finally settle with what they have and not have that "next step" already in mind.

 

[Itinerantd]

I have no problem admitting it is a status symbol and I’ve pursued it because of that. There is quality and heritage too but anyone pursuing BK in a store without admitting to the first sentence I wrote is in denial. Yes it’s understated and I don’t like big logos in general but there are tons of other subtle high end bags. Why BK? It’s interesting if some academician can go into how the bag went from what it was historically to the current hype. The combination of hard access and quality probably did it. The birkin was created relatively recently and was based off a horse boot transporter. I think the main factor is strict control of access but combined with quality to back up the restriction, creating a myth, we all want what we can’t get but there also should be substance behind the hype. There are other hard to get bags and Chanel is trying to copy recently but the quality is not there. Celine back in the day also had waiting lists but over time they have not become the new BK for example. The BK appeals to someone who wants “the best” and feel a sense of conquest.