Is Birkin being devalued or adding value Cardi b

[AnnaE]

Hi purse lovers!

I saw tonight that Cardi B posted an Instagram video where she said people on the internet were talking about her and other female rappers carrying Birkin Bags. She said people online were saying that “by her carrying the Birkin bag and other female rappers that the Birkin bag and or hermes was getting the de-valued.” She explained that from her perspective she had added a bunch of value to Birkin and Hermes by making it more main stream. And her and other rappers carrying a Birkin bag added value to the Hermes.

What do you all think, is the Birkin Bag getting added value or devaluing? I’m curious!



Here’s a link to the video also

I watched the video. Her big point is actually racism -- that people will talk about her and other black celebrities 'cheapening' the brand v. no one talks about Victoria Beckham or other white celebrities doing so. (Are the Kardashian sisters an exception here? I am sort of lost on the cultural paradigm that pertains to them). She certainly has a point.

I wouldn't say that posting a receipt is the classiest thing to do (whatever skin color one is), but hey, she makes the money, she can afford the bags, good for her.

 

[bisousx]

I prefer to see these elegant, understated bags on elegant, understated people. So... that’s my opinion on it.

I was 19 when Hermes first caught my eye. This was back when you could still walk into a store and either get yourself on a real waiting list or score a Birkin right away. Thanks for all the celebrities unabashedly showing off their collections to the general public, now I’m sort of uncomfortable wearing them because of how recognizable they are.

 

[Hobbiezm]

I love Cardi B- what she’s addressing is the racism of when POC / rappers / R&B stars talk about brands - the assumption is it’s fake , that the fashion looks crass or cheap, and it’s not with the labels image. We don’t mention that when Maria Shriver, Victoria Beckham or Catherine Zeta Jones carry their Hermes bags - in fact it’s always pointed out that they epitomize the brand. Fashion choices are personal - but the $$$ bottom line for the fashion houses are not. With a growing upper middle class from developing countries, the rise of influencers and celebs , brands evolve and I love to see street fashion mixed with high fashion. Cardi, the Hadids, Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Tim Chalamet, Harry Styles are fashion icons of the new guard. Cardi starts off by saying she’s added value to these brands bottom line and I 100000% believe it to be true. It’s not just value but they’ve added relevance.

 

[AnnaE]

I prefer to see these elegant, understated bags on elegant, understated people. So... that’s my opinion on it.

The snob in me totally agrees. I roll my eyes internally when I see someone wearing their Evelyne the wrong side out. And let’s be honest, it would be great if all customers and SAs could pronounce the French words correctly.

But truth be told, I actually think it’s very wrong to prefer seeing bags on a certain type of a person, be it elegant, white, black, rich, poor. If a person can afford it, that’s all that matters.

 

[missD]

I prefer my nicer things to NOT be too mainstream in that it doesn’t catch too much attention. I’ve been in a few situations where it’s been uncomfortable.

For example, a Starbucks barista questioning me about my love bracelet and speaking to his coworker that he “saw it on X show and that it’s over $10k”...while I was standing right there. The general growing popularity and media attention means incorrect information gets tossed around too. A regular gold love is not over $10k.

And, I’ve been in situations where the numbers like $20k have been tossed around for a regular birkin (just based on crazy reseller prices, I guess). I didn’t feel comfortable carrying my bag when subjects like that are being discussed within earshot.

I think it just makes me feel unsafe? I like it when things aren’t so mainstream.

 

[bisousx]

The snob in me totally agrees. I roll my eyes internally when I see someone wearing their Evelyne the wrong side out. And let’s be honest, it would be great if all customers and SAs could pronounce the French words correctly.

But truth be told, I actually think it’s very wrong to prefer seeing bags on a certain type of a person, be it elegant, white, black, rich, poor. If a person can afford it, that’s all that matters.

If that makes me a snob then so be it. I’m okay with not wanting WAP and Birkin in the same sentence I don’t care to see this brand overexposed by vulgar celebrities, any of them.

 

[bisousx]

So why do ppl say the Kardashians devalue the brand?

The Kardashians are the first ones who come to mind when the topic of devaluing a brand comes up. Hermes stopped being an exclusive club now that everyone in the world knows what a Birkin is. Don’t get me wrong - I thoroughly enjoy watching Kris and Kylie’s closet tours. But I don’t deny how tacky it is to show it all off.

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

I watched the video. Her big point is actually racism -- that people will talk about her and other black celebrities 'cheapening' the brand v. no one talks about Victoria Beckham or other white celebrities doing so. (Are the Kardashian sisters an exception here? I am sort of lost on the cultural paradigm that pertains to them). She certainly has a point.

I wouldn't say that posting a receipt is the classiest thing to do (whatever skin color one is), but hey, she makes the money, she can afford the bags, good for her.

Victoria Beckham was not deemed worthy to carry Hermès in the beginning either. She was considered noveau riche WAG trash at the time. She had to change her style completely to achieve the public H worthiness she presumably enjoys now. And so would Cardi. And the Kardashians, although that would take an unearthly effort. But yeah, racism.

 

[haute okole]

Was this before of after Offset and Cardi B’s cousin were detained and cuffed by Beverly Hills cops for waiving a gun at the weekly Presidential support parade and Cardi B had to be restrained screaming her hubby was not armed. In the meantime, her cousin was indeed armed with a loaded pistol and hauled off to jail. I like her music, but she is purposefully vulgar and not my cup of tea.

 

[happiness07]

I am not a big Cardi B person, but good for her — she seems to work hard for the bags. Always good to see a successful person of color as well.

What I would like to know if why the payment is for 85k on the AmEx — what about the rest of it? Cash? 85k is not that high of a spend you would think...

I asked my GF the same thing..Did they use two CC to add onto the rest? Maybe cash?

 

[papertiger]

How is this any different to Posh Spice buying/carrying Birkins?

I guess it must be like rock stars moving into an expensive neighbourhood.

Yup, loud, proud and colourful. Good fo her.

 

[papertiger]

She certainly does think highly of herself. If anything, she has made counterfeits mainstream because that is what the majority of her audience are buying.

I'm glad she thinks highly of herself. We should all think highly of ourselves.

 

[BeaYork]

I am far, far from an expert on the matter, so I am not trying to call anyone out. I think my only qualm is the prejudice that comes along with “I wish only X or Y type of people were the only ones carrying Z” kind of statements. While I’m sure they are said with the best of intentions and wanting to maintain a desired brand image, it’s also also an image set by mostly white people that has historically (intentionally and unintentionally) excluded POC. It may not always be the case (ex. Victoria Beckham and other non POC mentioned above), but a majority of the time it is.

The Birkin (+ many other luxury items) has been a symbol for a very long time. If one was not born wealthy, it’s been a way of showing that she or he has “finally made it”. That person broke barriers and now gets to bask in the glory of a beautiful new B. I kinds think social media has created a world where stars are more flashy with flaunting lifestyle than they were 10-20 years ago, but I also think more POC stars like, Cardi B, can flaunt their Bs however they see fit.

 

[SpecialK12]

I'm glad she thinks highly of herself. We should all think highly of ourselves.

This.

 

[papertiger]

I am far, far from an expert on the matter, so I am not trying to call anyone out. I think my only qualm is the prejudice that comes along with “I wish only X or Y type of people were the only ones carrying Z” kind of statements. While I’m sure they are said with the best of intentions and wanting to maintain a desired brand image, it’s also also an image set by mostly white people that has historically (intentionally and unintentionally) excluded POC. It may not always be the case (ex. Victoria Beckham and other non POC mentioned above), but a majority of the time it is.

The Birkin (+ many other luxury items) has been a symbol for a very long time. If one was not born wealthy, it’s been a way of showing that she or he has “finally made it”. That person broke barriers and now gets to bask in the glory of a beautiful new B. I kinds think social media has created a world where stars are more flashy with flaunting lifestyle than they were 10-20 years ago, but I also think more POC stars like, Cardi B, can flaunt their Bs however they see fit.

If you only the knew the furore and outrage of KK carrying H . Nothing to do race IMO. Much more to do with type. A type that we do or don't identify with. H survived the Ks. H will be fine.