History of Birkin bag in Timeline

The Birkin bag, introduced by Hermès in 1984, is a luxury tote bag known for its high price and exclusivity. These handmade leather bags are named after English-French actress and singer, Jane Birkin. The bag's creation stemmed from a chance encounter between Birkin and then-Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight, where she complained about the lack of suitable bags for mothers. The Birkin has since become a status symbol and a coveted item in the fashion world.

1982: Inspiration for the Birkin bag design

In 1982, the design that would become the Birkin bag was first conceived.

1983: Jane Birkin's fateful flight

In 1983, Jane Birkin met Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London, which led to the bag's creation.

1984: Creation of the Birkin bag

In 1984, Jean-Louis Dumas created a black supple leather bag for Jane Birkin, based on a 1982 design.

1984: Birkin bag average annual returns

The Birkin bag had average annual returns of 14.2% between 1984 and 2015.

2006: Birkin bag waiting list

As of 2006, the waiting list for a Birkin bag was reputed to be up to six years.

April 2010: Hermès ends Birkin waiting list

In April 2010, Hermès announced that the waiting list for Birkin bags would no longer exist.

March 2013: Birkin bag auction in Dallas

In March 2013, a high-end Birkin bag was sold for US$203,150 at an auction in Dallas, Texas.

2014: Estimated Birkin bag production

According to a 2014 estimate, Hermès produced 70,000 Birkin bags that year.

2015: Jane Birkin requests name removal

In 2015, Jane Birkin requested Hermès to remove her name from the Birkin Croco bag due to concerns over crocodile skin acquisition methods.

2015: Birkin bag average annual returns

The Birkin bag had average annual returns of 14.2% between 1984 and 2015.

2016: Birkin bag investment study

A 2016 study found that Birkin bags had average annual returns of 14.2% between 1984 and 2015.

May 2017: Record handbag price at auction

In May 2017, a Birkin bag sold for HK$2.94 million (US$377,261) at a Christie's auction in Hong Kong, setting a new record.

May 2017: Record Birkin Bag Sale at Christie's Hong Kong

In May 2017, a bag made of exotic skin and diamond was sold at auction by Christie's in Hong Kong for a record price of US$380,000.

2019: Number of Birkin bags on the market

In 2019, according to an analyst quoted by The New York Times, there were more than one million Birkin bags on the market.

June 2020: Counterfeit Birkin bag trial begins

In June 2020, ten people went on trial for allegedly making and selling counterfeit Birkin bags, with a total profit of over €2 million.

2020: Birkin Bag Retail Price in 2020

In 2020, retail prices for a Birkin 25 bag started at US$11,400, with costs varying widely based on materials.

2024: Walmart.com sells "Wirkin" bags

In 2024, Walmart.com started retailing similar-looking bags branded KAMUGO and Aidrani which fashion influencers nicknamed the bags “Wirkin“ on social media.