Hermés Birkin 35 Gris Asphalt Togo PHW Handbag
View Similar Items
Hermés Birkin 35 Gris Asphalt Togo PHW Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: RD40391stDibs: LU2326214259972
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.
- Tom Ford Crystal-Embellished Mini Clutch BagBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBA stunning crystal-embellished mini clutch bag by Tom Ford. This clutch features crystal-embellished soft goatskin leather and contrasting silver-tone ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
$2,976 Sale Price25% Off - Hermès Limited Edition Constance 18cm Marble Silk PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA limited edition Hermès Constance 18cm bag. The bag features a rare technique that creates exceptional colours in the silk Orbis design. The exterior ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hermès Noir Mini Kelly Twilly Bag CharmBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA chic Hermès Mini Kelly Twilly bag charm. The exterior of this Kelly bag charm features a Noir Tadelakt leather detailed with tonal stitching...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Chanel Green Alligator Jumbo Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA rare exquisite Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap handbag. The exterior of this Jumbo Classic is in a vivid green shiny alligator leather with gold tone hardwar...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hermés Birkin 35cm Sellier Sunrise Rainbow Epsom PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA Rare Limited Edition Hermès Sellier Birkin 35cm Rainbow Sunrise bag. The exterior of this Birkin features Epsom leather in yellow lime, sésame beige, rose confetti, and brown terre. These sunrise-inspired colours are complemented with palladium hardware. This rainbow Birkin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hermés Birkin 30cm Touch Noir Taurillon Novillo/ Bleu Marine Niloticus Lisse PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA gorgeous Hermès Touch Birkin 30 cm bag. The exterior of this Birkin "Touch" features noir taurillon novillo and bleu marine niloticus lisse leather with palladium hardware. The ext...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- New in Box Louis Vuitton St Tropez On The Go Limited Edition BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton 2020 limited edition "escale" collection. St Tropez ultra limited VIP edition. Brand new in box with original dust cov...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
$3,999 Sale Price20% Off - HERMES Mini Clutch in Blue Celadon LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermès mini clutch in blue celadon leather. Worn on the shoulder or by hand. Length of the handle: 62 cm Stamp S from private sales, made in Franc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hello Kitty X Anteprima Pink Silver Wire Shoulder BagBy AnteprimaLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis unique ribbon and plastic woven bag is in the shape of Hello Kitty. The bag features pink rhinestone embellishments and a silver detachable chain strap as well as plastic handle...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Novelty Bags
- New in Box Fendi White Leather Handbag with Colored FlowersBy FendiLocated in West Hollywood, CAFendi brand new in box white 2 way handbag with grey interior. Colored resin flower decor. Interior middle zipped compartment with two side open pockets. Handle drop 5". Shoulder str...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Fornasetti Sac Plat BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton 2021 limited edition Fornasetti collection. Brand new in box with dust cover mini sac plat in printed patent leather with monogram trimming. Detachable crossbody strap....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Novelty Bags
- Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960Located in University City, MOUnique thespian needlepoint comedy and tragedy handbag The stylish large scale retro handbag is designed with comedy and tragedy mask on both exterior sides The theatrical masks are framed with leafy foliage The handle and sides are designed with olive green leather. The interior is lined in chartreuse taffeta with twin slip pockets and a zipper compartment The chic retro needlepoint handbag...Category
1960s American Novelty Bags
$295 Sale Price21% Off
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.