When was the first birkin made

The two bumped into each other on a flight from Paris to London where they talked about how Birkin couldn't find a suitable bag to carry all her belongings and the paraphernalia that comes with being a new mother. Dumas was inspired to sketch a design on a plane sickness bag - a rectangular holdall with a burnished flap and saddle stitching. The finished creation was named after Birkin herself, and it quickly became popular with women who wanted a bag that was functional as well as stylish.

Today, the production of Birkin bags are limited - an estimated 12, are made every year - which only adds to their desirability. The size has evolved, however, from its original 35cm, with variations including mini and travel sizes added over the years.

The price scale goes from basic leather to crocodile versions; a Porosus crocodile bag goes for five times that of a lizard-skin bag. Precious metals and diamonds on the hardware entered the picture around seven years ago, according to Lalande, following a rise in clients from emerging markets. In terms of customising, apart from choosing the colour of seams and lining it pretty much stops there.

Birkin bags are now available in an array of colours and animal skins - from crocodile to lizard Getty Images. Ironically perhaps, Ms Birkin was herself the first to de-chic the bag, roughing it up, plastering it with badges, stickers and worry beads, and bemoaning its tendonitis-inducing properties. November Chanel's new price increase. The different sizes of the Louis Vuitton Keepall. Everything about the Chanel 19 bag. My Cart. Posted on Mar 27, Explore November Chanel's new price increase.

Louis Vuitton. Buy it now More payment options. Jeff Koons turns them into art. Virgil Abloh sends them down the Off-White runway. Kate Moss uses them as nappy bags. Victoria Beckham is rumored to own over of them.

Enter, the Kelly bag. This signature handbag is just as sought after — and just like the Birkin, it has a waitlist to match its icon status. First, a little history. Haute couture followed, along with an expansion into jewelry, watches, porcelain goods and scarves. However it was her effort to hide her baby bump with the bag in the mids that really garnered attention.

The story of the Birkin goes a little differently.