Birkin bags are extensively made in France.
These bags are actually manufactured and marketed by Hermes, a French company. It has multiple manufacturing facilities in numerous countries worldwide.
According to the sources, Hermes’ production is carried out in France across 52 sites. Besides, there are more than ten manufacturers in other countries including,
- The USA
- The UK
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Vietnam
In France, every single bag is handmade by skilled & trained artisans. They use the company’s signature saddle stitching for manufacturing Birkin bags.
Hermes introduced these unique bags in 1984 in France. Later, Birkin bags were marketed in the United States.
At present, the Birkin bag is one of the most popular handmade products on the American market. However, since the late 1980s, Birkin bags have become a status symbol in the state.
What is a Birkin Bag actually?
Birkin bag is actually a kind of tote bag.
That means these bags are large & often unfastened with parallel handles which emerge from the sides of their pouch.
Determined by length, Birkin bags usually come in four sizes:
- Birkin 25
- Birkin 30
- Birkin 35
- Birkin 40
Each Birkin bag might be different from the other bags. Because these bags are made for different customer-chosen hides, hardware fixtures, colors, and so on.
Birkin bags became the symbol of wealth as well as exclusivity because of their high price.
Although the Birkin bag looks like an ordinary handbag, it is quite different from other normal handbags of its craftsmanship in the industry.
Despite Birkin bags being similar to Hermes Kelly bags, these bags could be distinguished by the number of their handles.
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What are Birkin Bags made of?
Birkin bags are actually made from leather.
They use several types of leather for making these bags. Some of the most popular types of leather are:
- Box Calf
- Clemence
- Epsom
- Togo
These leathers give the bags a different feel as well as an extra glamorous look. Some specific Birkin bags are specially made with various types of crocodile skin & ostrich skin.
In that case, these bags are dyed a wide array of colors. However, the majority of Birkin’s are usually made from bull leather.
On the other hand, the interior lining of Birkin bags is often made from goatskin. These bags are typically crafted with several types of hardware.
The company collects the main raw materials from different tanners in France. Birkin bags are hardly made of imported raw materials.
How many Birkin bags are made a year?
About 100,000 Birkin bags are made a year. But the number may vary on its demand.
According to a previous report, the company produced 70,000 bags in 2014. In addition, CNBC has stated that Birkin makes about 12,000 bags a year.
The demand for these handbags is often so high. As a result, they craft enough bags for fulfilling consumer demands.
It takes almost 48 hours to produce a single bag. Every bag is cautiously hand-sewn by skilled artisans.
Why is Birkins so expensive?
Birkin bags are so expensive due to their high-quality luxury raw materials and valuable hardware.
These bags are usually made with 18-karat gold plated or palladium. Birkin’s hardware includes a front-facing lock closure.
The manufacturer makes Birkin bags using premium materials such as calfskin, alligator skin, and ostrich skin. These materials are rare in the markets.
Crocodile skin is the most expensive exotic material for manufacturing Birkin bags. The price range of the bags depends on size, color, material, and condition.
Let’s learn some specific Birkin bags’ average price ranges:
| Bag types | Average price range |
| Birkin 25 | $25,000 – $27,000 |
| Birkin 30 | $11,000 – $14,000 |
| Birkin 35 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Birkin 40 | $13,000 – $14,000 |
Birkin bags are entirely made by hand through skilled artisans in France. Currently, this brand’s bag is one of the most expensive bags in the world.
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What company owns Birkin Bags?
Hermes International S.A. currently owns Birkin bags.
Headquartered in Paris, it is a French luxury fashion company that specializes in leather goods. Birkin is not an independent company.
Hermes first introduced Birkin bags in France. However, Hermes was already a well-established brand before introducing Birkin bags.
Birkin bags’ annual sale is increasing rapidly. The company has gained a huge reputation for offering expensive bags on the market.
Sources:
- https://www.hermes.com/us/en/story/271246-responsible-and-sustainable-development/#:~:text=As%20at%2031%20December%202021,located%20in%2011%20different%20regions. – Hermes’ production sites.
- https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-hermes-birkin – About craftsmanship of Birkin bags.
