The Birkin bag (or simply Birkin) is a
tote bag introduced in 1984 by French luxury goods maker Hermès. Birkin
bags are handmade from leather and are named after the English-French
actress and singer Jane Birkin.
The bag quickly became a symbol of wealth and exclusivity due to its high
price and assumed long waiting lists. Birkins are a popular item with
handbag collectors, and were once seen as the rarest handbag in the world.
The bag's value is a matter of its intentionally high price, which has led
to its being described as a Veblen good.