Hermes Birkin 35 Togo Black
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 7.09 in (18 cm)Length: 13.78 in (35 cm)Marked Size: 35 x 28 x 18 cm (EU)
- Style:2002 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Kelly Doll Quelle Idole Black AlligatorBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRDesigned by Jean-Louis Dumas in 2000, reedited very rarely in very small quantities. Incredible mini kelly doll in alligator leather ! Crocodile leather is...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- CHANEL Purple Lizard Mini Belt BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRVintage CHANEL Purple Lizard Mini Belt Bag. The hardware is in matte silver metal. Worn on the shoulder or crossed. In very good condition. Made in Italy...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 40 Brown Togo leatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRBirkin 40 Brown in very good condition. The bag has already been used so there are slight wear marks on the corners of the bag and micro scratches on the har...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 35 Box Leather CognacBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRVintage Birkin 35 Cognac. Zipper, clochette, keys (2) and padlock included. The corners of the bag are slightly used. Condition : good Made in France Material : box leather...Category
1990s Top Handle Bags
- CHANEL Bowling Bag in Iridescent Beige Lambskin LeatherBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCHANEL Bowling bag in iridescent beige leather. 'Bowling' bag in golden beige grained leather from Maison Chanel. Golden jewelry. Zip closure. The i...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Hac 40 crocodile graphiteBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES HAC 40 travel bag Condition: very good condition Country of manufacture: France Model : Haut à courroies Size: 40 Gender: unisex Material: matt Porosus ...Category
2010s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- French Sequin Black Linen BagLocated in New York, NYChic Sequin French Bag on black linen base. Elegant and timeless detailing with even seed bead borders on the interiors and edges of strap. Moire taffeta...Category
1950s French Top Handle Bags
- 1980s Handbag One Of A Kind Record Album Crocodile Embossed Vintage Purse BagLocated in San Diego, CAExtraordinary vintage 80s black vinyl record album two sided crocodile / alligator embossed handbag! One side features a Jennifer Holliday record, ...Category
1980s Italian Novelty Bags
- 2006 Louis Vuitton Les Extraordinaires Top Handle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton handbag, limited edition Les Extraordinaires, fall/winter 2006 collection, made in bordeaux emprainte leather with inserts in dark brown leather and golden hardware. Eq...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Capucines GM Top Handle Bag Black LeatherBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Capucines model, size GM, made of black grained leather with beige inserts and silver hardware. Equipped with a central flap, internally lined in smooth bla...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Balenciaga Ville Logo Sprint Black Shoulder BagBy BalenciagaLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITBalenciaga bag, Ville logo print model, made of black leather, white printed logo and silver hardware. Equipped with a double rigid handle in leather a...Category
2010s Novelty Bags
- 2005 Louis Vuitton Tiger Eye Exotic Skin Marc Jacobs EditionBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag limited edition autumn/winter 2005 Tigereye in collaboration with Marc Jacobs Combined with precious exotic leathers: ostrich, python and lizard. Opening a...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle 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.