Good question. Honestly, even though I want a Birkin, I think the Kelly is a much prettier bag. I think that perhaps it IS a status thing with the Birkin. And sales didn't really take off like they have in recent years until that episode of SATC. Even though there are some beautiful exotic skins for birkins, just looking at it without all the hoopla, I don't know if people would still feel the same about it. I have seen some 2k purses that actually ARE more beautiful than the birkin...especially Judith Leiber purses.