With its iconic facade, lavish window displays of exotic treasures, and even a rooftop garden, 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has been the home of Hermès since 1880. This legendary address, steeped in Parisian history, inspired one of the brand’s most exclusive creations – the Faubourg Birkin.

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Spotlight on the Hermès Faubourg Birkin

Small in size but grand in design, the Hermès Faubourg Birkin (also known as the ‘House’ Birkin) captures the essence of the Maison’s legendary boutique with meticulous detailing that echoes the grandeur of the building’s iconic facade. It comes as no surprise that this rare masterpiece has been a status symbol among celebrities and collectors alike.

The Hermès Faubourg Birkin is so elusive that only a select handful of celebrities have been spotted with these coveted treasures. Among the elite are Kylie Jenner, Heart Evangelista, Nita Ambani, Cardi B, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Crystal Minkoff, whose bag sparked conversation on the show.

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Stylists to the stars Law Roach and Jinkee Pacquiao have also been seen sporting this highly collectible Birkin. Whether it’s the original or a later iteration like the Neige or Minuit, the Faubourg Birkin remains a top-tier collector bag.

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Due to its highly collectible design and rarity, many Faubourg Birkins are kept as prized collector’s items. Carefully preserved in pristine condition, these bags are often admired from afar and cherished more as art pieces than everyday accessories.

Day & Night: The Dual Elegance of the Faubourg Birkin

First unveiled in 2019, the Faubourg Birkin, with its unique 20 cm size, made an immediate impact with its blend of artistry and exclusivity, quickly earning its place alongside the legendary Himalaya. Unlike the traditional Birkin sizes, which range from 25 cm to 40 cm, this smaller 20 cm version was a first for the Birkin family, offering a more compact silhouette without sacrificing any of its iconic charm.

While Hermès has previously experimented with even smaller designs, such as the ultra-rare Micro Birkin, a pint-sized 15 cm edition from Jean-Paul Gaultier’s final collection in 2011, the Faubourg Birkin is currently the smallest model within the current Birkin family that is still in production.

Drawing inspiration from the architectural beauty of its flagship boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this miniature Birkin showcases the iconic facade, all rendered in Hermès’ most luxurious leathers. Initially released in two colorways – Day and Night – the Faubourg Birkin beautifully captures the essence of the boutique at different times of the day.

The Day version, true to the name, mirrors the boutique’s daytime facade. It boasts a roof in Ébène Matte Alligator that contrasts with the walls of Gold Madame. The stonework is detailed in Brûlée Sombrero layered over a Ébène Sombrero base, while the arched glass windows are rendered in Craie Epsom.

Meanwhile, the Night version captures the ambiance of Parisian evenings. It features a roof in Blue Marine Matte Alligator, complemented by Deep Blue walls. The Craie Epsom Windows shine against the Blue Obscur stonework, sheltered beneath the iconic Hermès Orange H Swift awnings.

Each Faubourg Birkin is finished with Palladium hardware and features the iconic Hermès Orange H awning. Instead of the traditional clochette, it comes with a charming miniature Hermès shopping bag, adding to its unique appeal.

The Minuit & Neige Faubourg Birkin

In 2021, Hermès expanded the Faubourg Birkin line-up with two new, equally striking designs, each adding a distinctive flair to this already revered lineup.

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The Minuit (Midnight) edition exudes a sleek, ‘So Black’ allure with its striking ebony palette. This version combines Matte Alligator, Madame Calfskin, Swift, and Sombrero leathers in deep black to evoke the boutique’s after-hours ambiance. A distinctive feature of this design is the Jaune windows, which add a luminous touch against the all-black exterior, while the Orange H awning adds the signature Hermès touch. To further elevate its after-dark appeal, the Midnight Faubourg Birkin is adorned with PVD hardware. This specialized coating process gives the hardware a sleek, jet-black finish, adding to the bag’s monochromatic elegance. First introduced in Jean-Paul Gaultier’s iconic ‘So Black’ collection in 2010, PVD hardware has become synonymous with some of the most collectible Hermès pieces.

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Although snowfall in Paris is a rare sight, when it does occur, it drapes the city in a magical white blanket. The Neige (Snow) Faubourg Birkin captures this winter charm with its delicate, icy palette. The roof, in White Togo, mimics the cover of snow, while the walls are crafted from Beton Matte Alligator, providing a subtle contrast to the pure white. The boutique’s glass panes are depicted in Blue Brume Chèvre, with window detailing in Craie Swift, and the base is finished in White Sombrero leather to complement the wintry theme. A closer look reveals White Swift snow gently accumulating on the iconic Orange H Swift awnings, further enhancing the Snow Faubourg Birkin‘s frosty elegance.

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From Day to Disco: The New Birkin Disco Faubourg

Hermès has brought a fresh beat to the iconic Faubourg Birkin in its Spring/Summer 2024 collection – introducing the Birkin Disco Faubourg. This striking 20 cm design is a bold remix of the classic, crafted in glossy black Box leather with a graffiti-inspired facade that echoes the signature storefront motif of the original Faubourg Birkin.

In place of the traditional padlock, the Disco Faubourg dazzles with a shimmering disco ball charm, adding a playful nod to its namesake. As the latest addition to the Faubourg lineup, this edition brings a new rhythm to the Hermès repertoire.

Raindrops and Luxury: Meet the New Faubourg 'Rainy Days' Birkin

While the Disco Faubourg Birkin has certainly captured hearts with its modern art-inspired flair, there’s another ‘House’ Birkin making its debut. Introducing the all-new Rainy Days Faubourg Birkin. Like its predecessors – Day, Night, Minuit, and Neige – this latest addition showcases the iconic Faubourg facade, but with a fresh twist.

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Inspired by a rainy day in Paris, the Rainy Days Faubourg features a Gris Ciment matte alligator roof, Gris Misty Epsom leather walls, and signature Orange H Swift awnings. Finished with gleaming palladium hardware, it beautifully captures the charm of a rainy day in Paris.

The Top-Tier Birkin Bags

What truly elevates the Hermès Faubourg Birkin beyond its striking design is its unparalleled exclusivity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this masterpiece is produced in extremely limited quantities, making it a must-have for the most dedicated Hermès collectors. Rumors within the luxury community suggest that only 100 to 250 of these coveted bags were created in each color way.

With exclusivity comes a price tag. The Hermès Day, Night, and Midnight Faubourg Birkins are reported to retail for around $30,000, while the Neige iteration commands a higher price of approximately $48,000. However, as with all things Hermès, these prices can soar even higher on the secondary market. In 2021, a Midnight Faubourg Birkin sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for an impressive $167,000.

Score a Faubourg Birkin at Heritage Auctions

Now, fans of this coveted Birkin have a chance to obtain an icon. Heritage Auctions is offering a Hermès Midnight Faubourg Birkin from 2022 – allowing one handbag connoisseur to make their dream a reality.

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On October 3rd, Heritage Auctions will present the Autumn Luxury Accessories Signature Auction, showcasing the one and only Faubourg Birkin.

For those situated in New York, you will be able to preview the lots from September 30 – October 2, at Heritage Auctions, 445 Park Avenue, New York, 10022. Just be sure to check the lot viewing hours before planning your trip.

The auction runs through October 3, 12:00 PM EST. You can register to bid online here. Whether you’re starting your Hermès collection, or securing that final missing Faubourg Birkin, this auction promises to be a remarkable opportunity to secure one of the rarest handbags.