Hermes JPG Shoulder Birkin 42 Bag Fuchsia Porosus Crocodile Bag Limited Edition
View Similar Items
Hermes JPG Shoulder Birkin 42 Bag Fuchsia Porosus Crocodile Bag Limited Edition
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 42 cm (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5886227412
Birkin Bag
Since its 1984 debut, the Hermès Birkin bag has become a coveted status symbol as much as it has an exclusive collector’s piece. The handbag is among the most expensive in the world, and the appetite for the accessory is well-known inside and outside the fashion industry.
The history of the Birkin bag owes to a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to London in 1981, when British actress, singer and model Jane Birkin found herself describing her ideal handbag to another passenger. The two travelers hadn’t properly met, so it wasn’t immediately clear that she was practically brainstorming a future product with Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas. When the latter identified himself, he told the star that Hermès was prepared to produce the accessory of her dreams. A discussion followed that involved rough sketches on an Air France airsickness bag, and the Birkin was introduced three years later.
A spacious and symmetrical rectangular bag that features dual handles as compared to the trapezoidal single-handle frame of the company’s popular Kelly, the Birkin has amassed a rabidly enthusiastic fan base since its inception. Because it is so pricey and sought after, the goatskin-lined Birkin has frequently been targeted by counterfeiters, and its modest aesthetic and understated branding prevent it from being easily discernible from fakes. An array of metallic hardware fixtures, most often produced in gold or palladium, helps distinguish this dynamic handcrafted tote, and likely assisted the French police officers who broke up an international counterfeit Birkin operation in 2012.
Among the characteristics that are integral to determining a Birkin’s authenticity as well as rendering it a truly desirable collector’s item are the signature lock and accompanying keys. The latter are tucked inside a lanyard made from a single piece of leather and draped around one of the handles. There are scuff-resistant base studs, too — a defense system to shield the durable leather exterior from damage should its owner park it on a gritty sidewalk. The studs are hammered in and can’t twist off, so there isn’t any danger of the bag losing its feet.
Each tote is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and the exotic leathers — a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile — are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France. Owing to the artisan construction effort behind this globally adored accessory, it may take up to several days to produce a single Birkin bag.
Jane had to wait for hers, too.
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness. As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key. Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings. Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- Hermes Kelly Seller 25 Fuschia Pink Lizard Palladium Hardware Limited EditionBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier bag features a rare combination of lizard in all grown up retired Fuchsia pink. Complimented with palladium hardware. Divine size for day...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Pourpre Bag Chevre Leather Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier bag featured in rich Rose Pourpre. Chevre leather accentuated with Palladium hardware. Comes with signature Hermes box, shoulder st...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Constance Bag Rose Lipstick Pink Mini III Veau TadelaktBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured in Rose Lipstick. This chic Hermes Mini III pink Constance bag is exquisite in utterly smooth Veau...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermes Kelly 32 Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Palladium Hardware NewBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes 32 Kelly Lakis bag featured in rich, saturated Tosca. Signature front and zipper pockets. Swift leather with Palladium hardware. This beauty is sure to ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Christian Dior Bag Lady Dior Large Navy Matte Navy Alligator New w/TagBy Christian DiorLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag featured in rich Navy matte Alligator. Logo charms are matte brass hardware. Top flap. Interior is lined in Blue Suede. One zip pocke...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Fendi Bag 3Jours Matte Blue Crocodile Tote Medium New w/BoxBy Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, FendiLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a Fendi 3Jours Medium Blue Matte Crocodile Bag. A rich and striking electric Blue matte crocodile tote with silver toned hardware. Double handle with top zip closure. Bag comes with a Blue matte crocodile clochette housing a silver Fendi embossed...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Cc Beach Medium Pink Terry Cloth ToteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLThis Chanel CC Beach Tote Terry Cloth Medium, crafted in pink Terry cloth, features dual terry cloth handles, printed CC logo, and silver-tone hardware. It opens to a pink terry clot...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Stark Come Hither Medium Python Shoulder BagLocated in London, GBStark took cues from classic pieces, this 'Come Hither' shoulder bag is re-imagined from a classic flap and has been crafted bright-pink python exterior and grey suede lining in a sa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Gucci Dionysus Pink Guccify Small Shoulder Bag NWOTBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PAGucci Dionysus Pink Guccify Small Shoulder Bag in new unused condition. Pink pebbled leather exterior trimmed with antiqued silver hardware. Pearl ...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Hot Pink Ombre Patent Leather Brick Flap Crossbody Convertible ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel runway limited edition pink patent leather lego brick flap Year: 2014 Silver hardware One centered credit card slot Pink nylon lining Classic back ...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Rare Gucci Soho Pink Leather Messenger Shoulder Bag PurseBy GucciLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightRare Gucci Soho Pink Leather Messenger Shoulder Bag Purse Authentic Rare Gucci Soho Pink Leather Messenger Shoulder Bag Purse The bag has front flap with press stud closer and ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- CHANEL Chevron Jumbo Leather Pink FuchsiaBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRLarge bag and iconic model of the brand. Pink lambskin leather fuchsia herringbone. The jewelry is palladium silver. The chain is interlaced with leather. The interior is smooth leat...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
These Custom and Rare Birkin Bags Are a Collector’s Dream
An Hermès Birkin might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough. For every kind of Birkin-phile, we present some of the most exclusive bags from our discerning dealers.