Let the Hermes Hunt Begin
While no Birkin comes close to Jane Birkin’s original prototype in rarity, price, and story, some orbit around it. These ultra-rare Birkin bags are unicorns surrounded by myth, the stuff of luxury legend—and the kind of stuff you can acquire at FASHIONPHILE.
Sunrise and Sunset Birkin Bags
Inspired by dawn and dusk, these limited-edition luxuries are few in number and high in resale value. Hermes introduced the Sunrise and Sunset Birkin bags in 2020. They use Sellier stitching and vibrant color blocking to set these rare, rainbow bags apart. Sunrise pairs Abricot, Bleu Agate, Magnolia, and Rouge Casaque. Sunset uses Lime, Rose Confetti, Terre Battue, and Sesame.
Cargo Birkin
Sporty and oh-so-chic, this utilitarian Birkin bag draws from military wear. It features outer pockets and a detachable cup holder on the 35. The body is a toile canvas with Swift leather trim. The shape stays true to the Birkin bag, but the function-forward details give it a one-of-a-kind spin.
JPG Birkin
Jean Paul Gaultier brought a new kind of Birkin during his tenure at Hermes. In fact, more than one. He created the JPG Birkin in 2005, with longer handles and an extended frame that allows it to sit under the arm with ease. Hermes produced it until 2009, then brought back the JPG Birkin II from 2009 to 2012. The bag was renamed Shoulder Birkin when it was rereleased in 2024. Exotic versions are especially coveted. Exotic versions are especially coveted, so much so that a six-figure vintage red crocodile JPG Birkin recently caused a Kardashian krash-out.
Shadow Birkin
After reshaping how a Birkin could be worn, Gaultier pushed the idea further. The Shadow Birkin arrived in 2009, with the straps and flap reduced to impressions pressed into the leather. The silhouette stays familiar even without the hardware. Its trompe-l’œil design makes it highly coveted by quiet luxury lovers, especially in the smaller sizes.
So Black Birkin
So black, down to the box and dustbag it comes in. Released in 2010, also under Gaultier, the So Black Birkin became an instant collectible. It recently made a rare appearance on Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair alongside Kim Kardashian. Black PVD-coated hardware paired with Box calf or matte crocodile turns the bag into a full monochrome moment.
Faubourg Birkin Bags
24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is the address of the Hermes flagship and the inspiration for a very special collection. The Faubourg Birkin arrived in 2019, designed to look like the Hermes storefront with window and awning elements. The clochette is shaped like the orange shopping bag. Made with matte alligator on the top flap and handles, the Sellier construction gives the bag its architectural shape. It’s the first Birkin made in size 20. The original editions were Day and Night, followed by Snow, Midnight, and Rainy Days, each representing a time of day or year.
Faubourg Tropical Birkin
In this version, the Hermes flagship is overtaken by jungle foliage, with monkeys and cockatoos tucked into the design. The artwork comes from artists Octave Marsal and Théo de Gueltzl. It was hand-embroidered on Toile de Camp using the Luneville stitch, a process that takes more than 200 hours per bag. Paired with white Swift leather and produced in very limited numbers, it became one of the rarest Birkin editions.
Himalaya Birkin
This exotic unicorn has become synonymous with the upper echelons of Hermes Birkin bags. The Himalaya Birkin is made from Niloticus crocodile skin dyed from white to grey in a gradient that recalls the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Hermes also creates a version with diamonds set in white gold hardware. It’s a spotlight stealer and one of the most expensive Birkin bags offered.
Haute Tip: Learn more about the Himalaya Birkin here.
Diamond Birkin
Dazzling and glam, the Diamond Birkin bag pairs crocodile skin with white gold hardware set with diamonds. Hermes has made this model in several sizes and colors. The hardware sets the tone, bringing the Birkin bag silhouette into the world of high jewelry.
Metallic Birkin Bags
Made for the 2004 Athens Olympics in colors like gold, silver, and bronze, these limited editions were produced from 2004 to 2005. The idea came from metallic window displays by Leila Menchari. Silver models use palladium hardware, and bronze versions use gold. The style is most often seen in size 25. Hermes reissued them in 2024 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original collection and celebrate the Paris Olympics.
Ombre Lizard Birkin
The Ombre Lizard Birkin bag is usually produced in a size 25 due to the size of the lizard panels. The natural pattern forms a symmetrical gradient. Hermes finishes the look with a matching lizard-covered lock and clochette.
Touch Birkin
Fine to the touch, this bag combines regular leather with “touches” of exotic skin at points like the flap, handle, and strap. Released in 2017, it pairs a leather body with an exotic top flap. Some versions include exotic touches on other elements as well.
Haute Tip: Discover more collectible Hermes pieces here.
Tressage Birkin
Who knew a French braid would be so sought after? Introduced in 2018, the Tressage Birkin uses woven leather panels in select colorways. It comes in sizes 30 and 35, and the braided leather adds dimension to the classic Birkin shape.
Club Birkin
A sporty stripe sets apart this special-release Birkin. Vertical stripes frame a contrasting center panel, and some versions use exotic materials for the stripes. The design nods to vintage sportswear while keeping the Birkin shape recognizable.
3 in 1 Birkin
Making its debut in 2021, this modular model features a removable pouch that gives you three bag styles in one. The pouch acts as the bag’s flap, works as a standalone clutch, or you can detach it completely for an open tote.
Ghillies Birkin
Pierre Hardy, who has led Hermes footwear and high jewelry since the ‘90s, created some of its rarest Birkin variations. The Ghillies Birkin draws from broguing on formal Scottish footwear. Introduced in 2012 as an extension of one of Hardy’s jewelry lines, perforated leather trim outlines the structure of the bag.
Platinum Birkin
Created in partnership with Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka in 2015, this $1.9 million platinum Birkin is encrusted with over 2,000 diamonds, including an 8-carat pear-shaped centerpiece. The diamond-pave strap detaches and can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, blurring the line between fashion and high jewelry.
Sac Bijou Birkin
And the crown jewel? The Sac Bijou, of course. This $2 million Birkin was recently spotted around the wrist of Nita Ambani. Its name translates to “jewel bag,” and appropriately so. It’s a miniature Birkin made in gold and set with around three thousand brilliant and princess-cut diamonds. The surface is engraved to follow the grain of crocodile skin, and it opens and closes like a full-size bag.
Unveiled in 2012 by Pierre Hardy for the Haute Bijouterie Collection, it is one of the rarest Birkin bags Hermes has made. The original pieces were crafted in white and rose gold, and Hermes later introduced a version with black spinels and garnets. Only three exist of each design.
Catch a Unicorn
Hunting an ultra-rare Birkin bag? Find yours at FASHIONPHILE. Shop all Birkin bags now.
