At public appearances she often carries small, inconspicuous bags. The bags that Máxima carries privately are much more exciting and more expensive. She even has a Birkin bag from Hermès.
Many fashion icons were once born out of necessity. This is no different with the Birkin Bag from Hermès. In 1984, English actress Jane Birkin was showered with stuff when she tried to stuff her bag into the overhead compartment of a plane. Grumbling about the lack of stylish weekend bags, she hunted the stuff down. Her fellow passenger watched with interest, because he could solve this problem. The man in question was Jean-Louis Dumas, the CEO of leather goods house Hermès. While talking about the need for compartments and pockets, a new bag was born in Dumas’s mind. A two-handle design with a flap that closes with two straps and a gold nameplate. Voilà, there was the Birkin.
Although the bag is quite heavy due to the stiff leather – Jane Birkin even suffered a shoulder injury – all the stars walk away with it. The waiting list is long and erratic, especially for the limited editions. You never know exactly when it’s your turn. Name and fame play a role, as does your purchase history. Ladies who also bought scarves and belts from Hermès in the past have a better chance of winning a Birkin. Prices start at around €8,500 for the smallest models in the standard version, but depending on the size and exclusivity, this amount can rise to €300,000. In the latter case, you are talking about a bag made of crocodile leather (3 or 4 crocodiles per bag) and diamonds.
Victoria Beckham now has more than 100 Birkins in her walk-in closet. Jennifer Lopez uses a $100,000 one to work out and yes, our own queen also has one (at least). A gray specimen was spotted during trips to Argentina and Madrid.
In addition to the Birkin, Máxima also owns another Hermès icon. It is a black Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly, aka Princess Gracia. This bag came into focus during a reception at Buckingham Palace, shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
