Quiet luxury is becoming an industry on its own, making a comeback amid the rise in demand for more understated and neutral products and accessories.
An excellent example of how trends shift and change through different decades and generations, the once bold colour palettes and patterned bags are now being replaced by softer neutrals. Practical features are becoming as integral as the aesthetic design of a bag, while logos and branding are becoming less prolific and simpler.
In short, as the demand for ‘quiet luxury’ increases, bags and other high-end accessories are becoming more muted in their design; purposefully soft, simple, and above all, versatile.
So, how does the iconic and highly sought-after Hermès Birkin bag tap into this corner of the industry, and what makes it such a statement symbol in the ‘quiet luxury’ market?
The Birkin bag is the product of a flight, in which Hermès President and CEO Jean-Louis Dumas found himself sitting next to actress Jane Birkin. During the flight, she mentioned to Dumas how challenging it was to find a bag that was large and practical enough for her everyday needs, while also looking stylish.
She outlined her desire for a bag that she wanted to carry, that she felt proud of, and that served her needs. This culminated in a sketch on a napkin – a sketch that became the very first iteration of the world’s most famous and sought-after bag: the Birkin.
Of course, as has become the standard that Hermès is renowned for, creators behind the scenes did not just make a bag. Rather, they brought to life a story, weaving a narrative into the premium fabric and stitching quality into every inch of classic style. Each Birkin is famously hand-created by the very best artisan craftsmen and women, with the blend of high-quality manufacturing and materials elevating the cost, demand, and overall value surrounding each bag.
The first Birkin bag was sold in 1984. In contrast with some brands in the luxury sector, this makes the Hermès Birkin quite a young entrant – and yet it remains one of the most famous of all time.
Why? Because of the work that Hermès has done to not only create a luxurious product, but to design a lifestyle that surrounds that product.
Owning a Birkin bag is not about owning an accessory; it’s about owning a piece of history, design excellence, and a part of the Hermès story. You need only look at how widely the Hermès Birkin is referenced in pop culture to recognise the impact it has had on the industry – and yet it does all that without splashing the brand across every inch of the end product.
One of the things that Birkin buyers value is the subtle quality and sophistication. Even the boldest materials and finishes (think the Birkin Himalaya, which is crafted from exotic and rare crocodile skin) still benefit from the primarily functional structure and shape of a bag that prioritises the user’s needs.
All of this stems from the original needs of Jane Birkin; the lady whom the bag was created for, and named after – and whose own Birkin sold for over 100,000 euros in July 2025.
With all that in mind, and with the context added by the Birkin’s back story, what exactly is it that puts this bag front and centre of the ‘quiet luxury’ market?
In short, the ‘quiet luxury’ of the Birkin lies in its recognisable design and in the fact that those who know the market can recognise a Birkin even before they see the brand name or individual model. Even those who are not luxury aficionados will likely recognise the name ‘Birkin’ and will be familiar with some of its more famous references, both on and off screen.
This is the epitome of a product that represents quiet luxury. It is not showy, but it is sophisticated and steeped in quality.
And it seems, with modern demand and changing trends, that the call for understated luxury is only becoming more advanced. Buyers are increasingly drawn towards the classic colour palettes and muted tones of Hermès’ neutrals. The once-favoured rare and exotic skins are becoming less prolific, while blacks and softer neutrals are on the rise.
While ‘quiet luxury’ is so much more than just the colour of a bag, it is interesting to track and note the role that colour plays in the popularity of a collection. So, how do you find the right bag for you?
When it comes to shopping in the luxury market, the Birkin is one of those models with something for every type of buyer. From bold colours to those softer tones, every season sees news colours released, and new bags made available.
But getting your hands on an authentic Birkin requires a little more than just a trip to your local retailer. With the huge demand for Birkin bags showing no signs of slowing, buyers who want to own their own piece of quiet luxury will need to explore different ways of purchasing a Birkin – with the best avenue being a trip to your local reseller boutique.
Offering an opportunity to bypass waitlists, browse an extensive and varied collection of different Birkin models, and even touch and try out different bags to see which works for you, visiting a reseller boutique is the only way to find and take home the bag you really want.
If owning a piece of history, revelling in the prestige of a luxury product, and surrounding yourself with quiet luxury is your vibe from now on, then head to your local boutique store in London and ask to see the extensive range of Birkin bags available.
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