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New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Birkin style isn't just for women — now, swanky guys are grabbing the pricey haute bag
Whether chillin' or workin', Jacob Godfrey's got his Birkin. Much like the Hollywood hunks and A-list athletes who elevate their swag with the Hermès handbag, he's leading the charge in the 'Man Birkin' movement — a fashion-forward fad for the fellas. 'It complements my outfits, and it's really practical,' Godfrey, 33, of Fort Greene, told The Post, gushing over the $12,000, black box leather number he shares with wife, Sarah, 32, on days his looks need a splash of luxe. Advertisement 15 Jacob Godfrey is among the men pairing bougie Birkin bags with their everyday attire. Stefano Giovannini 'I dress more traditionally masculine,' said the digital marketing executive, 'and I carry a very beautiful bag.' It's hard-to-get garniture that's no stranger to the spotlight — especially since the original Birkin sold for a historic $8 million at auction earlier this month. Advertisement Female fashionistas have fawned over the finery for decades, partly due to its show-stopping cameo on 'Sex and the City' in the early 2000s, crystallized by the echoing line 'It's not a bag, it's a Birkin.' Diehard divas have even jet-setted overseas to snag the must-have directly from the Hermès flagship in France — which can cost an eye-watering $500,000. 15 An anonymous bidder from Japan paid a total $10 million for Jane Birkin's original bag, making it the most expensive handbag auction in history. Getty Images But now, the haute commodity is ascending as the accessory of the gods as macho men, from Gotham to Los Angeles and beyond, are toting the totes with neither shame nor fear of folks questioning their masculinity. Advertisement It's a sign of the times, says NYC stylist Turner Allen. 'Men have been embracing designer handbags over the past few years, partly for practical purposes, but mostly because they look really cool,' the pro, citing VIP bag boys like Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles, told The Post. 'They hold your s–t,' Allen added of the voguish sacks. 'You can put your wallet, car keys, water bottle in a Birkin and not your pants pockets. Advertisement 'Pairing the bag with some vintage denim jeans, a T-shirt an oversized blazer offers a nice combination of smart-casual and formality.' 15 Godfrey, a marketing executive, exudes confidence while out and about with the bag. Stefano Giovannini Allen, the mastermind behind Style Turner, a premium men's styling consultancy, hailed the classy carryall for its subtle, yet unmistakable, panache. He attributes its popularity amongst the gents, in part, to its understated chicness. 'Men are interested in signaling who they are and what they've accomplished through fashion,' the expert noted. 'What's more prestigious, expensive and rarified than a Birkin?' And he's right on the money. Musicians, such as Rihanna's beau, A$AP Rocky, known for unabashed rocking his black Hermès Kelly, and Travis Scott, a huge lover of the Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag, bring their Birkins out to play on any given day. Grammy-nominated emcee Gunna was even gifted the coveted accoutrement for his 32nd birthday this summer. Advertisement 15 A$AP Rocky boasts an ever-expanding fleet of snappy pocketbooks, including the Hermès Kelly. jiujitsu / BACKGRID 15 Travis Scott is one of the many male bigwigs who like making bold style statements with their flashy bags. GC Images 15 Floyd Mayweather has freely spent thousands on glamorous goodies from the French label. Instagram Boxing champ Floyd Mayweather recently dropped a reported $80,000 in 10 minutes on four bags — three 35-centimeter Birkins, one in yellow, two in different shades of green, and a 30-centimeter prize piece in black — as additions to his already impressive Hermès collection. Advertisement Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, as well as Cardi B's New England Patriots-playing hun, Stefon Diggs, proudly sport their look-at-me masterpieces at major sporting events. NBA ballers like Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyle Kuzma have been known to follow swank suit. 15 San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey gripped his $68,000 Birkin while walking into the stadium ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl. Getty Images 15 Stefon Diggs and a number of top-tier sports figures frequently exhibit their love of Hermès Hermes Advertisement Steve Harvey, of 'Family Feud' fame, turned heads last month, finishing his outfit with a black Crocodile HAC Haut à Courroies — said to retail for approximately $100,000 — during Men's Fashion Week in Paris. And Gay Paree is where Godfrey and Sarah nabbed their bag, a Birkin Sellier 30. It was a celebratory purchase the newlyweds made while touring The City of Lights on their mini-honeymoon last fall. 15 A model struts the runway with a Birkin bag in tow during an Hermès fashion show in Paris. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Advertisement 15 Game show icon Steve Harvey rocked the iconic bag while visiting France with wife, Marjorie, last month. Aissaoui Nacer / 15 Pro basketballer Kyle Kuzma is seen with his Birkin in Hudson Yards. GC Images 15 Millennials Jacob and Sarah Godfrey bought the Birkin as a toast to their recent nuptials. As fashion enthusiasts, the couple regularly shares clothes, add-ons and outerwear. Stefano Giovannini 15 Unlike other Birkin buffs, who keep their pricey purses under glass, they take their precious carryall everywhere, including on the subway. Stefano Giovannini And while Sarah's always dreamed of having a Birkin of her very own, she says splitting custody of the purse with her hubby, who takes it everywhere — from the subway to the park to after-work drinks with the guys — makes owning one a sweet experience. 'The Birkin is an item that a lot of people just sit on the shelf and look at,' she told The Post. 'But I want ours to be used and worn as much as possible, and I love seeing Jacob take part in that.' Sarah, a fine-art specialist, is grateful that the once-distinct lines of gender norms in fashion are now blurred. 'We're losing the bifurcation of dressing,' she said. 'So, it seems natural that the men are now coming into our closet to grab the great things, like a Birkin, in the same way I borrow his ties, cufflinks, coats and jackets. 'It's only fair that the sharing goes both ways.' 15 Sarah tells The Post she's happy to share the timeless toggery with her honey. Stefano Giovannini 15 Godfrey is often showered with praise for his unashamed, exquisite taste in accessories. Stefano Giovannini And Godfrey appreciates the freedom to grab the bag whenever. 'I get nothing but compliments, online and in-person, anytime I wear the Birkin,' he said. 'New York City is the epicenter of culture, style and ingenuity. 'And I'm glad that I can fully express myself through my style.'
Economic Times
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
The Hermès Birkin bag that started it all: Jane Birkin's original will go up for auction next month
The story behind the icon: Jane Birkin Craftsmanship and rarity define the Birkin Live Events From pop culture to global phenomenon A legacy passed on (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel If you've ever dreamed of owning the original Birkin bag , now is your chance. Sotheby's will auction the prototype, created in 1984 for actress and style icon Jane Birkin , on July 10 in Paris. This is no ordinary handbag—it is the very model that sparked one of the most coveted luxury accessories in fashion the auction, the bag will be displayed at Sotheby's Manhattan gallery until Tuesday and then moved to Paris for public viewing from July 3 to 9. How much it will fetch remains under wraps. 'At this stage we will communicate it privately to potential bidders,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion. 'Obviously it is a one-of-a-kind piece, completely apart from any other handbag, or any other Birkin. We are breaking records with Birkin bags on a regular basis at auction. We foresee it to be as unique as the Diana jumper or a worn jersey from the NBA. It has value because of what it is and what has happened because of that bag.'The bag's creation has become the stuff of legend. In 1984, Jane Birkin was on an Air France flight from Paris to London. Upgraded to first class, her worn wicker basket spilled its contents—wallet, keys, business cards, diapers, cigarettes, glasses—onto her seatmate, Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès . They struck up a conversation. Birkin explained she needed a spacious yet stylish bag. On an airsickness bag, they sketched the design of what would become the Birkin—two handles, tote style, a smaller version of Hermès's Haut à Courroies of the Birkin's allure lies in its rarity. 'There are a limited number of them created each year,' Halimi said. 'There is the craftsmanship: you can repair it and restore it and cherish it. And then in a world of fast fashion and seasonal trends, it's not going to be out of style anytime soon. If you are offered one to buy at Hermès, you feel like part of this small club.'This original bag differs from commercial Birkins: it stands just under 14 inches tall and nearly 16 inches deep, with non-removable brass hardware and unique studs. Even the inner zipper comes from a different manufacturer. One charming detail is a nail clipper Birkin attached to the outside, revealing her casual, unpretentious approach to these coveted Birkin transcended fashion to become a cultural icon. Mentioned in songs, TV shows—most notably the 2001 "Sex and the City" episode featuring the line, 'It's not a bag, it's a Birkin!'—it has captured imaginations worldwide. Social media users now 'Birkinify' their own bags and phones, mimicking the style and numerous copies and homages like the 'Boatkin,' the original remains unmatched. It has been displayed at New York's Museum of Modern Art and London's Victoria and Albert Museum, drawing thousands of visitors. Sotheby's last showcased it in Paris in 2024 and Hong Kong in Birkin, who passed away in July 2023, owned five Birkins. One sold for around $160,000 in 2021. This prototype carries an extra layer of prestige. Birkin originally sold it at a charity auction for AIDS in 1994. It reappeared in auction in 2000 and was bought by Catherine Benier, a well-known collector and Paris vintage shop called it 'the jewel in my collection,' acquired after fierce bidding. She kept it mostly stored but decided to sell after thousands visited during recent exhibitions. 'A collection is only worth it if it's shared,' she said. She expects it to set new auction records but declined to name a price. 'Twenty-five years ago when I acquired it, it was already the most expensive bag in the world,' she wrote. 'All these elements fuel the legend of the first Birkin bag, so certainly a price exists, but what is it? This bag is the object of a lifetime, it's a legend, an icon. Does a legend have a price? Certainly.'Buying a Birkin is not simple. New bags range from $10,000 to over $100,000. Hermès does not display Birkins openly; buyers usually need a personal relationship with sales associates. The bag is also an investment. Like gold bars, its value grows with time and rarity. Birkin herself halted production of crocodile skin versions in 2015, protesting animal those who can't afford the real thing, fast fashion has stepped in. Last year, Walmart released a $78 knockoff, making the style accessible, if not the quality. But nothing matches the original Birkin's heritage.(With inputs from NYT)
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Hermès Birkin bag that started it all: Jane Birkin's original will go up for auction next month
If you've ever dreamed of owning the original Birkin bag , now is your chance. Sotheby's will auction the prototype, created in 1984 for actress and style icon Jane Birkin , on July 10 in Paris. This is no ordinary handbag—it is the very model that sparked one of the most coveted luxury accessories in fashion history. Before the auction, the bag will be displayed at Sotheby's Manhattan gallery until Tuesday and then moved to Paris for public viewing from July 3 to 9. How much it will fetch remains under wraps. 'At this stage we will communicate it privately to potential bidders,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion. 'Obviously it is a one-of-a-kind piece, completely apart from any other handbag, or any other Birkin. We are breaking records with Birkin bags on a regular basis at auction. We foresee it to be as unique as the Diana jumper or a worn jersey from the NBA. It has value because of what it is and what has happened because of that bag.' The story behind the icon: Jane Birkin The bag's creation has become the stuff of legend. In 1984, Jane Birkin was on an Air France flight from Paris to London. Upgraded to first class, her worn wicker basket spilled its contents—wallet, keys, business cards, diapers, cigarettes, glasses—onto her seatmate, Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès . They struck up a conversation. Birkin explained she needed a spacious yet stylish bag. On an airsickness bag, they sketched the design of what would become the Birkin—two handles, tote style, a smaller version of Hermès's Haut à Courroies luggage. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why... Car Novels Undo Craftsmanship and rarity define the Birkin Part of the Birkin's allure lies in its rarity. 'There are a limited number of them created each year,' Halimi said. 'There is the craftsmanship: you can repair it and restore it and cherish it. And then in a world of fast fashion and seasonal trends, it's not going to be out of style anytime soon. If you are offered one to buy at Hermès, you feel like part of this small club.' This original bag differs from commercial Birkins: it stands just under 14 inches tall and nearly 16 inches deep, with non-removable brass hardware and unique studs. Even the inner zipper comes from a different manufacturer. One charming detail is a nail clipper Birkin attached to the outside, revealing her casual, unpretentious approach to these coveted bags. Live Events From pop culture to global phenomenon The Birkin transcended fashion to become a cultural icon. Mentioned in songs, TV shows—most notably the 2001 "Sex and the City" episode featuring the line, 'It's not a bag, it's a Birkin!'—it has captured imaginations worldwide. Social media users now 'Birkinify' their own bags and phones, mimicking the style and charm. Despite numerous copies and homages like the 'Boatkin,' the original remains unmatched. It has been displayed at New York's Museum of Modern Art and London's Victoria and Albert Museum, drawing thousands of visitors. Sotheby's last showcased it in Paris in 2024 and Hong Kong in 2025. A legacy passed on Jane Birkin, who passed away in July 2023, owned five Birkins. One sold for around $160,000 in 2021. This prototype carries an extra layer of prestige. Birkin originally sold it at a charity auction for AIDS in 1994. It reappeared in auction in 2000 and was bought by Catherine Benier, a well-known collector and Paris vintage shop owner. Benier called it 'the jewel in my collection,' acquired after fierce bidding. She kept it mostly stored but decided to sell after thousands visited during recent exhibitions. 'A collection is only worth it if it's shared,' she said. She expects it to set new auction records but declined to name a price. 'Twenty-five years ago when I acquired it, it was already the most expensive bag in the world,' she wrote. 'All these elements fuel the legend of the first Birkin bag, so certainly a price exists, but what is it? This bag is the object of a lifetime, it's a legend, an icon. Does a legend have a price? Certainly.' Buying a Birkin is not simple. New bags range from $10,000 to over $100,000. Hermès does not display Birkins openly; buyers usually need a personal relationship with sales associates. The bag is also an investment. Like gold bars, its value grows with time and rarity. Birkin herself halted production of crocodile skin versions in 2015, protesting animal cruelty. For those who can't afford the real thing, fast fashion has stepped in. Last year, Walmart released a $78 knockoff, making the style accessible, if not the quality. But nothing matches the original Birkin's heritage.
