I’d like to think I know most of the ins and outs of upgrades. At the very least, I’ve spent more than a decade giving people actual ways to get them, and helping them avoid the dreadful advice that makes them look like idiots (and still doesn’t get an upgrade).
One area i’m not as well versed on is quite a cool one — it’s all the things that did or didn’t happen in the world, once someone got an upgrade. I was utterly fascinated this week to find out that the forever grailed ‘Birkin Bag’ is largely a direct product of a chance upgrade encounter.
Jane Birkin, The Upgrade And Hermes
Jane Birkin is one of the most celebrated actresses and models of the 60’s and 70’s and has been synonymous with enduring style during a pivotal time in fashion and lifestyle. Her eponymous bag, however, may be even more famous today.
It’s so sought after, Hermès won’t just sell you one — it’s an elusive five figure arm hanger you get on a list just to hope to buy.
I recently watched a clip where Jane Birkin described the origin of the bag, and to my amazement, an international flight upgrade really started it. Birkin was upgraded at the last minute on a flight to London and as she was making her way to her seat, her papers fell out of her bag.
Out of nowhere, her soon to be seat mate said “you should have a pocket for your papers on your agenda (bag)”. She replied that Hermes doesn’t make an agenda with pockets and it’d be nice if they did. He replied, “I am Hermès” and the rest is history.
Birkin knew exactly which bag, ‘The Kelly’ which she wanted to use as a baseline but slightly larger. She then proceeded to use the barf bag in front of her to design the rest of the concept. Months later, Hermes invited her to check out a cardboard mock up which was a masterpiece.
Hermes then created the bag, and in her honor, asked to name the bag after her.There you have it, The Birkin Bag. If not for a chance flight upgrade at the last minute, there’s a very fair chance the Birkin Bag may not exist today and Hermès might have taken on a different legacy.
I would love to own a real Hermes bag again. Mine was stolen from my parked, and locked auto. I had gone to pick up a to-go order that took longer than I had anticipated.
I remember seeing some kids skateboarding nearby. But, I don’t know if they took it or not.
The handbag was a gift from a friend and I really cherished it!
I am retired now. I have enough funds for my living expenses. However, there is no way I can purchase a handbag that is worth more than a luxury automobile.
SO, for me, I guess it’s ‘Easy come, easy go’!