hermes travel birkin

The History of the Hero: The Hermès Birkin

It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin: this 40-year-old phenomenon is a better investment than gold

With a cameo in Sex and the City , a rap song in its honour, a mysterious waiting list, and an origin story that involves a Sixties style icon and a fateful plane journey – not to mention a resale value of nearly 200 per cent – the Hermès Birkin is kind of a big deal. In fact, it's probably the most famous designer handbag of all time.

Whether you are looking to invest, want to understand how to to get your hands on a Birkin or just want to learn about the fascinating history of the most coveted handbag in history, we divulge everything you need to know about the Birkin right here.

The origins of the Birkin

Let’s start at the very beginning. Once upon a time, in 1983 to be exact, a famously befringed, achingly cool actress called Jane Birkin boarded an Air France flight to London. Her beloved basket bag had been intentionally run over by her then-husband, Jacques Doillon, two days prior, and she was carrying a nondescript replacement. It wasn’t fit for purpose as she ended up dropping her Hermès notebook, and remarking that no bag was large enough to hold all of her papers.

Luckily, her fairy godfather – Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès – happened to be sitting nearby. He introduced himself and suggested Birkin find a bag with pockets to accommodate her stationery overflow, before sketching a rough design on the back of a sick bag. From humble beginnings – like all the best fairytale protagonists – the Birkin was born, making its official debut in 1984. Much, much better than a glass shoe, we think.

Goat leather Birkin, £11,970

Black leather Birkin, £9.487

Brown leather Birkin, £25,121

Green leather Birkin, £15,072

Brown leather Birkin, £28,542

Grey leather Birkin, £26,600

At 35cm wide, it was a more petite (yet adequately capacious) version of Hermès’ Haut à Courroies – the travel bag of choice for Jane Birkin’s ex-husband, Serge Gainsbourg. Today, the Birkin comes in three additional sizes: 25, 30 and 40 centimetres.

When did the Birkin become so popular?

Perhaps it was the Birkin’s discreet styling, or the fact that Chanel had the luxury market in an exceedingly chic chokehold, but this now-iconic bag got off to a slow start. Nevertheless, by the mid 1990s it had gained considerable momentum, and by 2001 it was firmly in 'It' bag territory, its status sealed by Sex and the City and the iconic line: “It’s not a bag. It’s a Birkin.”

In season four of the cult show, publicist Samantha Jones falls in love with a red Birkin 35, telling Carrie, “When I’m tooling around town with that bag, I’ll know I’ve made it.” After discovering that there is a five-year waiting list, she pretends the bag is for her client, Lucy Liu, which does not end well.

Over the course of the decade, and into the 2000s, the bag continued to grow in popularity, eventually becoming the ultimate status symbol. As more celebrities carried it, and as it grew in price, the Birkin became more exclusive, waiting lists started and its reputation started building.

What is the difference between a Birkin and a Kelly?

The Kelly is another wildly popular handbag from Hermés, which is also notoriously difficult to get hold of. There is sometimes confusion between the two bags due to their similar shapes. In fact, the design – which dates back to the 1930s – was the archetype for so many iconic Hermès bags to come, including the Birkin, but there are some key differences.

The Kelly was a little sharper, sleeker, more geometric than anything that had been seen before, architected to a trapezium shape, with a flap closed in by two side straps and a neat swivel clasp. In contrast, the Birkin is a little more slouchy and casual, while it also featured double straps and the Kelly featured just a single strap.

Read more about the fascinating history of the Kelly – and how it got its name – here.

Is the Birkin actually so difficult to get hold of?

The Birkin’s hard-to-get reputation is part of its allure. The details of how to purchase one directly from Hermès remains a closely-guarded secret but rumour has it that customers must have an established purchase history with the brand and have added the objects of their desires to their ‘wish-list’ – a term Hermès introduced since it no longer offers a traditional waiting list (some conjecture it never really existed, anyway) and only delivers a select number of Birkins to each boutique.

The Birkin’s scarcity has a lot to do with the time it takes to make. Each bag takes between 12 and 18 hours to create, at the hands of master craftspeople who have to undergo between two and six years of training before starting work in Hermès’ leather workshop. Additionally, the majority of the Birkin is sewn by hand using the brand’s signature saddle-stitching technique.

Recently, social media has been alight with TikTok users sharing with their millions of followers how to play "the Hermés game". According to them, this involves a carefully co-ordinated plan of purchasing pieces from the brand and developing relationships with sales associates in order to be able to purchase the coveted Birkin.

This strategy, while hugely adding to the Birkin's appeal, has started to cause problems with consumers. In March 2024, two customers in California have filed complaints against Hermés for only selling specific products to customers who they deem "worthy". According to the lawsuit, Hermès is violating anti-trust law by "tying" the sale of one item to the purchase of another, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order barring Hermès’s allegedly anti-competitive practices.

Can you get a Birkin on resale?

You can purchase a Birkin on the resale market – as well as its sister, the Kelly bag – but be prepared to pay a premium. Given how difficult it is to buy directly from the source, resale Birkins are at least double the retail price, ranging from around £15,000 to £30,000 for a classic style in good condition, and well beyond that for something extra special (for example, the diamond-embellished Himalaya Crocodile Birkin, which sold at auction in 2021 for over £400,000). If you can afford it, it’s a worthy investment. A 2017 study revealed that the Birkin’s value has increased by 500 per cent in the last 35 years, and according to a 2020 report by Knight Frank, an investment in the bag is better than stocks or gold.

Eagle-eyed Birkin fanciers may be able to find pre-loved options around the £9,000 mark, if they’re willing to settle for a less popular shade or one with some wear and scratches – with the exception of Jane Birkin’s well-loved bag, which, cat bites, scuffs and all, sold at auction in 2021 for £119,000. In fact, there has been an uptick in those searching for love-worn Birkins after an old photo of Mary Kate Olsen carrying one resurfaced on Reddit. In its Luxury Consignment Report, The RealReal writes, “There’s a growing number of shoppers specifically seeking the je ne sais quoi that comes with a little wear-and-tear.”

Which celebrities have carried a Birkin?

Jane Birkin only has one namesake bag in her possession at any given time (she sells them when they become old and battered), but other celebrities live by ‘the more Birkins, the better’ mantra. Virgil Abloh owned more than a dozen Birkins, Drake has been collecting them for years (for his future wife, apparently), and Victoria Beckham is said to have amassed over 100, but this pales into comparison alongside the 200 owned by Singaporean socialite and entrepreneur, Jamie Chua, who is thought to have the largest collection.

Other notable Birkin owners include Kate Moss (who allegedly used hers as a nappy bag), Winnie Harlow, Jennifer Lopez, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and North West, who was pictured with a white Birkin at the tender age of six.

The Birkin in art

As a bag steeped in fashion lore, it’s no wonder the Birkin has been the subject of (sometimes controversial) art. In 2012, Francesca Eastwood – daughter of Clint – set one on fire as part of an ‘art project’ (thankfully, the bag turned out to be a fake); in 2014, Jeff Koons incorporated several Birkins with eminent former owners into an art installation; and in 2019, rapper Gunna released a song called ‘Baby Birkin’. More recently, an NFT ‘MetaBirkin’ (an animation of a foetus growing in a Birkin bag) created and sold by artist Mason Rothschild was the subject of a copyright lawsuit, which Hermès won, prompting brand fans to speculate as to when the luxury house might enter the metaverse.

For those who prefer their Birkins IRL, we’ve scoured the web to find the best resale bags, which you can see above. If anyone asks, just tell them it’s an investment – you’d be right.

Anya Taylor-Joy's supersized sun hats

10 summer hat styles you need to know about

Hailey Bieber's unique maternity style

Cannes Film Festival 2024: all the fashion

Jourdan Dunn: Queen of the Castle

The making of Léa Seydoux's sequinned Cannes gown

All the best celebrity style this month

Inside Gucci's London Cruise show

Sofia Richie & Alexa Chung love these ballet flats

The History of the Hero: The Chanel ballet flat

The best slip dresses of spring

• Birkin 25CM
• Birkin 30CM
• Birkin 35CM
• Birkin 40+CM
• Kelly 35CM+
• Constance 18CM
• Constance 24/25CM
• Pochettes & Kelly Cuts
• Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) Bags
• Mini Evelyne (TPM) Bags
• Evelyne III PM
• Picotin 18CM
• Picotin 22CM
• Bolide Bags
• Herbag Collection
• Other Accessories
• Printed Enamel Bracelets
• Clic Clac Bracelets
• Other Bracelets
• Fine Jewelry
• Blankets & Pillows
• New Arrivals
• Bestsellers
• Pre-Owned & Vintage Handbags
• Hermès Discounted Bags

Hermès Birkin 35cm

81 products

• Burgundy (1)
• Brushed Gold (1)
• Palladium (47)
• Permabrass (3)
• Extra Large (1)
• New & Never Worn (32)
• Pre-Owned (42)
• Vintage (7)

The Hermès Birkin 35cm is the original Birkin bag and in even greater demand now than when it was one of the original “It Bags.” Inspired by and named for fashion icon Jane Birkin, the Birkin 35 was designed to answer the needs of a busy, multi-tasking woman on the go.

The ultimate luxury handbag, the Hermès Birkin 35 starred in the classic Sex in the City episode that gave us the line “It’s not a bag. It’s a Birkin”. The enduring popularity of the Birkin 35 on the resale market is such that many consider it an investment that’s better than gold.

Measuring approximately 14 inches wide, 11 inches high, and 7 inches deep, the Birkin bag 35 is a chic tote that secures all your daily essentials, including your iPad and MacBook Pro. A spacious carryall, the Birkin 35 is an ideal travel bag and doubles as a feminine briefcase. Although the Hermès Birkin 35 is too large for an evening bag, the petite baby Birkin is perfect for cocktails or a red carpet event.

Hermès Birkin 35cm For Sale

The majority of our Birkin 35s for sale are store-fresh and never-carried, though we do offer a select collection of vintage and pre-owned bags . The handle drop for the two rolled handles makes the Birkin 35 comfortable to carry by hand or on the forearm, even when wearing a winter coat.

The Birkin bag 35 is hand-sewn from luxurious leathers, including Togo, Clemence and Epsom. Some feature exotic leathers like crocodile, ostrich, and alligator, with each skin contributing its own unique character to the design. All exotic Hermès bags are made in strict compliance with CITES. Find your perfect Birkin 35 among our collection of Hermès Special Order or HSS bags .

• Created with Sketch.

Your Guide to the Top 10 Hermès Bags

An Introduction to Hermès Bags

The Hermès brand was born in 1837 when Thierry Hermès founded a harness workshop in Paris. The company’s mission was to create equestrian leather goods for European nobles. In 1900, Hermès introduced its first bag to consumers: the Haut à Courroies (aka the HAC). This Hermès bag was designed specifically to carry riders’ saddles. In the 1920s, Hermès grew to include accessories, clothing, handbags, and travel bags. In 1935, the Hermès Kelly – then called the Sac à Dépchêches – was introduced, followed by the Hermès Constance in 1959, and the Birkin in 1984. Hermès has always possessed an unwavering commitment to quality and their leather goods are still handmade by highly trained artisans today.

1 | The Hermès Birkin: Timeless and Most Coveted

The most coveted Hermès bag is the iconic Birkin bag . Named after actress and “it girl” Jane Birkin, this timeless Hermès bag comes in many color ways, materials, and sizes. The Birkin was conceived by the starlet and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight where Jane urged him to create a Hermès bag with greater functionality. The four most popular sizes of Birkin are the Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, and Birkin 40 (the original size). Even at its smallest, the Birkin 25 can fit all your necessities including phone, wallet, sunglasses, and keys. The Birkin has been a highly coveted bag since the late 1980s, thanks to its timeless design, popularity among A-listers, and limited availability. Hermès stores are only allowed to buy a select number of Birkin bags bi-annually and the styles of Birkin are rarely known before their delivery to the boutique. As a result, finding a freshly-minted Birkin requires considerable time, patience, and flexibility. Resale platforms are disrupting this process by making Birkins more accessible to the public. Regardless, purchasing an Hermès Birkin bag – new or preowned– can be a substantial financial investment. Therefore, a Birkin bag is best suited for those looking for a timeless Hermès bag for all occasions.

2 | The Hermès Kelly Bag: Sophisticated Classic

The oldest and most classic Hermès bag is the Kelly . Frequently described as the Birkin’s older sister, and originally named Sac-à-Dépêches, this Hermès Kelly bag was a favorite of actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly, who used it to hide her pregnancy from paparazzi. The Princess of Monaco is credited with popularizing this particular Hermès bag, so much so that it was officially renamed for her in 1977. The Hermès Kelly bag comes in two styles: Kelly Sellier and Kelly Retourne. The differences are the stitching and the edges: a Kelly Sellier has visible stitching and a pointy edge, while the stitching on the Hermès Kelly Retourne is not visible and its edges are soft. A Sellier is a more structured, rigid bag thanks to the hard leathers artisans use to craft this Hermès purse. A Retourne is created using softer leathers, giving it a more casual look, and allowing it to fit slightly more than a Sellier. Available in smaller, trendier sizes, like the Kelly 15 and the Kelly 20, this Hermès bag comes in medium sizes, such as the Kelly 35, and large sizes, like the Kelly 50. There is an ongoing debate among Hermès bag collectors as to whether the Hermès Kelly or the Birkin are more functional, but one thing is for sure: Hermès Kelly bags are for the luxurious sophisticate who wants to add an iconic Hermès bag to their wardrobe.

3 | The Hermès Constance Bag: Simple and Luxurious Design

The Hermès Constance is a versatile bag worn comfortably over the shoulder and secured with the simple and functional “H” clasp. This Hermès bag’s designer, Catherine Chaillet, was pregnant whilst designing the bag, eventually naming it after her daughter, Constance. Chaillet’s design includes a strap that can be adjusted to make the bag hang long or short. In addition to the standard Constance 24, the Hermès Constance comes in mini and micro models as well as a rectangular model called the “Elan.” The Hermès Constance micro contains only one interior compartment, but buyers of other sizes have the option of a single or double interior compartment. Jackie Kennedy’s go-to, this youthful yet sophisticated Hermès Constance can be worn casually during the day or for an evening out. Like the Birkin and Kelly, the Hermès Constance comes in many material and hardware combinations.

4 | The Hermès Picotin Bag: Equestrian Inspired Bucket Bag

Hermès references its origins with the Picotin, whose name is the French word for the measure of feed given to a horse. This Hermès Picotin is a popular style thanks to its minimalist, functional design, inspired by horse feed bags. The wide, round shape of the bucket bag allows you to fit all your necessities with ease, and the lock closure provides a sophisticated accent. This Hermès Picotin comes in soft, grained leather that gives the bag a timeless look or in canvas with leather accents, providing a sportier feel. The Hermès Picotin leather comes in a variety of colors with either palladium or gold hardware. The Hermès Picotin is perfect for someone who needs a casual, simple Hermès bag for an on-the-go lifestyle.

5 | The Hermès Evelyne: Equestrian Essential Turned Luxury Bag

Like many other Hermès bags, the Picotin is inspired by Hermès’ equestrian roots. The Hermès Evelyne bag has perforations that form a “H” on one side, which hint at the bag’s original function: to transport horse grooming equipment. These perforations allow air to circulate the bag, drying wet combs, brushes, and picks. The ventilated side of the Hermès Evelyne was meant to be worn against the equestrian’s body; however, now that the bag is considered a luxury good, the perforations are worn facing outwards. This Hermès bag is highly functional and sporty. The Hermès Evelyne comes in four generations: Generation I, Generation II, Generation III, and the Evelyne Sellier. Generation I does not have an adjustable strap or an exterior pocket. Generation II also lacks the adjustable strap, but has an exterior pocket. Generation III has both an adjustable strap and an exterior pocket, making it the most functional Hermès Evelyne. The Sellier is the Evelyne reimagined: the perforations have been removed and replaced with a diamond-shape “H” printed on the front of the bag. The Generation III and the Sellier are the only two models still being produced. This Hermès Evelyne comes in four sizes: Evelyne 16 (formerly TPM), Evelyne 29 (formerly PM), Evelyne 33 (GM), Evelyne 40 (formerly TGM). The functionality of this Hermès Evelyne makes it well suited for travel or for use as a casual day Hermès bag.

6 | The Hermès Garden Party: Accessible Yet Versatile Tote

The Hermès Garden Party is an expertly crafted tote bag. This Hermès bag comes in leather or canvas with leather accents for a beachy, casual feel. The Hermès bag can be secured with a snap closure located at the top of the tote. Clou de selle snap closures on either side of the bag can be used to change the shape of the tote and provide extra space. The Hermès Garden Party comes in a variety of colors and four sizes: Garden Party 30, Garden Party 36, Garden Party 39, and Hermès Garden Party 49 Voyage. This is one of the most practical Hermès bags, given how easy it is to use and the amount of interior room it provides. The Hermès Garden Party’s lower price point and durability makes it one of the more accessible Hermès bags, ideal for those looking to make their first Hermès purchase.

7 | The Hermès Lindy Bag: Relaxed and Casual

Named after the Lindy Hop, a famous American dance from the 1920s, the Hermès Lindy was designed for comfort and movement. The perpendicular handles allow it to sit naturally on the wearer while the optional shoulder strap makes it more versatile. The handle positioning causes the center of the bag to droop. This Hermès bag has two exterior pockets positioned on either end and two zip closures sit on top. The Hermès Lindy is secured by a clou de selle touret lock closure. The Hermès Lindy comes in a few sizes: Lindy Mini, Lindy 26, Lindy 30, Lindy 34, and Lindy 45. The Lindy’s folded, relaxed style is suitable for someone who is on-the-go, whose fast-paced life requires a bag that can keep up.

8 | The Hermès Bolide: Travel in Style

The Hermès Bolide sleek design was intended for top drivers and world travelers. The Bolide’s trapezoidal shape fits easily into sports cars or luggage. The zip closure was discovered by Hermès CEO Emile-Maurice Hermès during travels to America. Upon touring Henry Ford’s factory, Hermès was struck by the zipper device he saw on the cloth top of a car. Suitably inspired, Hermès returned to France with a zipper patent and dubbed the bag born out of this discovery le sac pour l’auto, which is now the Hermès Bolide and a more minimalistic version called the 1923. This purse’s design meets at the intersection of classic beauty and function. The removable shoulder strap and rounded shape emphasize the Hermès bag’s practicality. The Hermès Bolide comes in two styles: the Mou and the Rigide. The Mou is made using soft leather, allowing it to slouch with use while the Rigide is studier and maintains its form over time. The Hermès Bolide comes in Bolide Mini, Bolide 27, Bolide 31, Bolide 35, and Bolide 45. The Bolide 45 is an ideal travel bag while the smaller Bolides are suitable for daily use.

9 | The Hermès Jypsière: Crossroads of Sporty and Glamorous

Introduced in 2008 by Creative Director Jean Paul Gaultier, the Hermès Jypsiere is a small, highly functional Hermès bag that can be worn on your shoulder or as a crossbody. A mix of Hunting Hermès bag and Birkin, the Hermès Jypsiere is elegant and luxurious without feeling static. This Hermès messenger bag features a frontal flap closure secured with a lock and a thick, adjustable shoulder strap. The interior features several compartments, allowing the wearer to keep her necessities organized with ease. Sizes include Jypsiere 28, Jypsiere 31, Jypsiere 34, and Jypsiere 37. This Hermès bag suits a sophisticated person seeking a smaller, more functional alternative to a larger Hermès bag.

10 | The Herbag: Approachable Hermès Bag for Everyone

The Herbag is one of Hermès’ most accessible bags thanks to its largely canvas construction. The top flap is made from thick, durable leather and features the clou de selle closure while the bag’s body is made entirely of canvas or toile. The top can be detached from the body, allowing for the wearer to mix and match Hermès Herbags. This Hermès bag, which also came in a backpack version, has been compared to the Kelly because of its elegant, classic style, however, the Hermès Herbag is a mere fraction of the Kelly’s price. The Herbag was discontinued in the mid-2000s and was reintroduced in 2009 as the Herbag Zip. The Zip has a few added elements intended to update the Hermès Herbag. The newer version features an external pocket, a zip pocket, and an interior removable pouch. The Herbag and the Herbag Zip have both handles and a strap. Hermès Herbags come in a few sizes: Herbag TPM, Herbag Zip 31, Herbag 39, Herbag Cabine 50, and Herbag Zip 52. The Herbag is an approachable bag for everybody.

Shop Hermès Bags

So, what are you waiting for? Whether it's a Birkin, Kelly, Constance, Picotin, Evelyne, Garden Party or Lindy - Sotheby’s Handbags has the perfect Hermès bag for your style and needs. Make an investment in your wardrobe with a Hermès bag. With over 180 years of experience and craftsmanship, a Hermès bag is timeless. Shop our selection of Hermès bags today! New arrivals weekly.

Shop Hermès Handbags

Upcoming Auctions

About the author, stay informed with sotheby’s top stories, videos, events & news..

By subscribing you are agreeing to Sotheby’s Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe from Sotheby’s emails at any time by clicking the “Manage your Subscriptions” link in any of your emails.

More from Sotheby's

Business Insider

How to buy a Birkin bag

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

• The Hermès Birkin bag is a pop culture icon and status symbol.
• However, it's not that simple to buy, even if you have the funds.
• Business Insider spoke with Birkin influencers about how they secured their bags.

For those even vaguely familiar with designer items, the Hermès Birkin bag is a recognizable symbol of luxury .

The structured, trapezoidal handbag has been made famous by The Kardashians , clueless "Sex and the City" character Samantha Jones ("It's not a bag. It's a Birkin."), and myriad hip-hop lyrics — as the City Girls once famously proclaimed, "Big Birkin bag hold five, six figures."

But purchasing a new one isn't as simple as walking into your local boutique and selecting one from a cabinet. Waiting lists to buy the bag no longer exist, and stock is both limited and in high demand.

Business Insider spoke with Charles Gross and Cristina Anghel, Birkin influencers and Hermès experts, for tips on their strategies to secure the elusive bags, considered one of the best luxury investments on the market.

Hermès did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Find a friendly salesperson

Getting a Birkin or Kelly straight from Hermès is impossible online, according to the luxury retailer's website, so locating a physical store is your first step.

Gross explained that Hermès emphasizes the relationship between the customer and their sales associate. This sales associate will be the person who connects you to your first Birkin.

"It is imperative that you find yourself an associate and work with them exclusively," Gross said.

One downside is that customers sometimes don't click with their sales associate, and Gross has found it can be difficult to switch to another.

His advice? Get to know one through friends or social media connections. It can be as simple as searching #Birkin on Instagram or TikTok.

Start Spending?

Hermès was hit with a proposed class-action antitrust lawsuit on Tuesday over what litigants allege is an illegal requirement for Birkin hopefuls to purchase ancillary products from the brand. Gross said he's heard people say you should spend as much as you would on a Birkin on other merchandise first if you hope to be offered a bag — for example, if you want a Birkin 25 that could cost around $10,000, plan to spend as much just to get the offer — though he doesn't believe that is the case.

And legal experts are skeptical that plaintiffs will be able to prove that spending goals such as the ones Gross has heard of are actual requirements Hermès has put in place.

Susan Scafidi, the director at Fordham University's Fashion Law Institute, told BI it would be difficult for plaintiffs to prove that Hermès' has a "lockstep policy" on how much a customer should purchase to access a Birkin or how sales associates determine who gets a bag.

Melissa K. Dagodag, an attorney specializing in business law, also told BI that the lawsuit would be difficult to prove. Still, it could threaten the Birkin bag's image. "Maybe Birkin bags will become less of a status symbol and more of an 'I'm a sucker' symbol, casting buyers in some kind of unintended dark light," Dagodag told BI. Scafidi said the lawsuit may shake up Hermès — and other luxury brands — and force it to reevaluate its policies to avoid future antitrust litigation. "In other words, there may never be a better time for an ordinary customer with thousands to spend on a bag to go shopping," Scafidi told BI. 

Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Make your intentions known, but not too quickly

Gross and Anghel said you should know exactly what bag you want — the size, type of leather, and hardware — as you build your relationship with your sales associate. When it comes to customization, there are plenty of styles to choose from and plenty of guides online.

But be warned: You may not be offered the bag of your choice.

"If a bag comes in that matches your preferences, it's up to them if they want to offer that for you," Gross said.

You should make your intentions of getting a Birkin known — but don't be too demanding. Ask about it during your second or third visit, Anghel said.

Play the waiting game

When Anghel started purchasing Birkins and Kellys 10 years ago, she said it was typical for her to wait six months to a year for a bag. It's different now.

"I've been on the wish list for a mini-Kelly — another obsession that everyone has these days — for about two years, and I still haven't managed to get one," Anghel said. "I would say that it is getting much harder to get any Birkin or Kelly bag at the Hermès store than it used to be before. Much harder."

Ultimately, Gross and Anghel said you don't know when exactly you'll be graced with a new bag, but when your potential Birkin arrives, you may be greeted with a cryptic message from your sales associate telling you to come into the store for a surprise.

The bag ceremony

There are a lot of theatrics when you are finally bestowed your prize.

Gross said he was taken to a separate room and ceremonially presented with the signature Hermès orange box.

"They wear gloves, they open the box for you to unwrap it, and then they present you with this bag," Gross said. "And I think that does two things: It makes it really special and beautiful, but it also creates an incredibly high-pressure environment. You're in this little room and or a more quiet area of the store, you've been presented with this bag, and there's almost this feeling where you're like, 'Oh God, I can't say no,' even if it isn't something you don't want."

Gross said he's had friends who became upset when they were still not offered the bag of their dreams after putting in the time and effort with their sales associate.

However, you can say no. "You don't want to buy a bag that you don't really love," Anghel said, but both she and Gross agreed you run the risk of not being offered another bag in the near future.

However, some people end up loving their mystery Birkin. Anghel said when the first bag she was offered was the exact bag she wanted, it was like a "rush of adrenaline."

"You get very, very excited," she said. "You're like a little child, waiting for a gift you've been dreaming about for so long."

Shortcuts: The Paris store and buying secondhand

Hermès has three Paris locations where your likelihood of securing a Birkin is much higher. Anghel said you don't have to worry about building a relationship with a sales associate in Paris.

Influencers who scored a Birkin at one of these stores say to book a leather goods appointment the day before a planned visit. But be warned: You may not get one. Anghel, who has gotten an appointment before, told BI that it's basically a "lottery system."

And if all else fails, buy pre-owned.

Gross, who has worked with the consignment brand Fashionphile, said he would much rather purchase secondhand at this point in his Hermès journey.

"I recently purchased a black Birkin 30 in crocodile," Gross said. "If I asked for that at the store. I don't know how long it would take. I don't know what they would offer me."

However, a Birkin or Kelly can sometimes be more expensive on the secondhand market because of the high demand as more people look to invest.

Gross pointed out that buying used means you don't have to spend time establishing a good rapport with an associate.

The secondhand market has other advantages. You can try on bags to see if they work for you, browse different colors and sizes, and get a bag much sooner than you would new. At some places, like Fashionphile, you can access horseshoe Birkins — bespoke Birkins offered to VIP clients of Hermès and finished off with a tiny horseshoe stamp.

Lara Osborn, the company's vice president of procurement and authentication, told BI it buys and sells these super-exclusive bags at their stores.

"Nobody has to know that you weren't the special customer that was offered this special, unique experience to build your bag because you're carrying it," she said. "We'll never tell anyone that somebody picked it out before you."

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

<< Previous page

Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

Shopping Cart Items: 0 Cart Total: 0,00 € place your order

Price pdf version

student - 2,75 € individual - 3,00 € institutional - 7,00 €

Copyright В© 1999-2022. Stratum Publishing House

• 2 Get around

Odintsovo is a mid-sized industrial city in West Moscow Oblast .

Get in [ edit ]

Convenient trains called elektrichki depart for Odintsovo from Moscow 's Belorussky Train Station (40 minutes). Bus #339 leaves about every 15 minutes from Moscow's Kievsky Bus Station for Odintsovo (40 minutes, 50 RUR one way).

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• 55.682103 37.293193 1 Grebnevskaya Church . A pretty 18th century church.  
• 55.670635 37.27677 2 The Old Brick Factory . A 19th century brick factory, which now houses a museum of local history.  
• 55.703469 37.322611 3 New Trekhgorka district . Murals from Urban Morphogenesis Festival 2019 by artists from 26 countries.  

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], eat [ edit ], drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Has default banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• West Moscow Oblast
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.