How To Get a Birkin
The most sought after (for many reasons) but least accessible bag that everyone wants to get their hands on. A question that often gets asked when I do an Instagram Q&A is how and where I’ve been able to purchase and start a Birkin/Kelly collection. Although I am no expert I will share how I started mine and things I’ve learnt along the way. My personal tips that may make the ‘Hermes game’ easier for you to obtain your dream bag.
Ok so, the first Hermes bag I ever purchased was not in store, it was a vintage black box leather Kelly 32 with gold hardware, which is to date still one of my favourite bags. At the time when I bought this I had an active wish with Hermes for quite some time and was not having much luck. I had so many inspo pics of a vintage kelly saved on my pinterest and instagram. I thought the worn but still shiny look of a vintage box leather kelly was actually so much cooler than having a brand new prestine bag that you would worry about damaging every time you use! So I started scouring the web to find a vintage box leather Kelly for the best price I could. I actually came across the one I got on Ebay, I was so sceptical to buy such an expensive item on Ebay in case it was not real. This is when I learned about Bababebi http://bababebi.com/. The queen of authenticating Hermes. So tip 1…… if buying pre owned or vintage Hermes and you’re unsure or want to be 100% on the authenticity before buying. BABABEBI first!
So anyway once I knew this Kelly was authentic I was SOLD. And thats where my collection (and my obsession) started.
So I had my Kelly for about 6 months was literally using it everyday because it goes with everything, and then I got notified that my wish had come in. I never thought the day would actually come that I would get the opportunity to buy brand new at store price. The wish I had at the time was for a black Birkin 25 togo leather with gold hardware. and it was PERFECT. Ok so 2 tip when it comes to making a wish. Firstly , what I didn’t know many years ago is that anyone can make a wish, I thought you had to be asked or invited to make a wish! Secondly, it helps to know exactly what you’re going to be asking for, leathers, colours , sizes etc. This shows that you have knowledge about the brand and that you really want what and love the bag you’re asking for. thirdly, keep up to date with your wish, make a note of when this expires so you can keep renewing your wish. Remember the SA you made the wish with and if you’re in the area check in, say hello. Even asking how long left on your wish even if you already know will remind them who you are, and of course it goes without saying but always be friendly! I’d like to also note that I’ve never played the ‘Hermes game’ I’ve never racked up a huge amount of spending history on my account. By the time it came to making a wish, I’d already bought everything I wanted from Hermes with the exception of a Birkin/Kelly. I’d previously bought tableware, a blanket, sandals etc. from different stores with different SA’s and I was not prepared to now spend more in order to get a quota bag. So I just made a wish and got lucky. I know different boutiques in different cities play by different rules. For instance in Dubai as far as I know they wont even consider you unless you have a huge spending history! I got my birkin 25 In Selfridges Oxford Street. Since then I’ve had an ongoing wish for a Birkin 35 etoupe and met the Lovliest SA who managed to fulfil my wish for me a couple of years after my first. So I’ve been lucky enough to purchase two quota bags from the store.
So… when It comes to buying preowned, if you’re wanting a Birkin/Kelly in a fairly new and good condition and you are happy to pay resale price, I have two places I can recommend. Firstly is Luxury promise, They are based in London and I believe also UAE. Luxury Promise are reputable and experienced resellers and have a huge selection of rare and highly sought after Birkins and Kellys of all ages and conditions dependant on budget. I purchased my gold Birkin 40 from them and couldn’t be happier. This is actually my favourite bag in my collection. They also run regular live shows on their website and instagram which you can also purchase through. Another reputable company for buying pre owned is Sellier, they have a store in knightsbridge, Monaco and of course online. The staff are amazing and you can also be sure that what you’re buying with them is 100% authentic, they are very experienced in this field and defo know their stuff!
Good luck on the Hermes hunt!
