Birkins Graced the Hermès Fall 2021 Runway But with a Twist

The Hermès Fall 2021 virtual fashion show danced its way around three continents with a tri-part film from New York, Paris and Shanghai. The infamous orange boxes set the stage – round in New York and four-cornered in Shanghai, with fashion models strutting in Paris. It’s fall, so colors are muted – brown, gray, blue. And the bags… there weren’t many. In fact, we saw three. But… one is a Birkin!

New 3-in-1 Birkin

Photo Credit: Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg via vogue.co.uk

When any Birkin hits the runway, people take note. In this show, what looked to be a B30 (though with such tall models it’s hard tell for certain) appeared about three times. With a twist. Actually, not to be kinky, but it’s a three-way!

Named the 3-in-1 Birkin, at first glance, the flap seems askew. And, indeed it is. Hermès deconstructed its HGB, removing the flap and turning it into a flat pouchette. So you have three ways to use this Birkin: fully constructed with the flap in tact, just the flap pochette/clutch, and a plain tote without the flap.Not exactly known for bargain-basement anything, Hermès is giving you a three-for-one deal LOL.

Interesting, yes. Limited availability will surely make this a hot ticket. But based on our IG feedback, not so many fans… at least based on the pix. The flap and lock are hallmarks of the fabulous B. Many of you don’t like the look without them. It’s just a tote.

Moreover, flat pochettes, are not entirely useful. Admittedly great for papers or money, they’re not so great for anything with depth … like your phone, keys, sanitizer …

However, as we said, a special Birkin is a special Birkin and we’ve no doubt this will be on many a lust list. And impossible to get.

Photo Credit: @alexandrapereira

Photo Credit: unknown

Flat Pochette or Birkin Accessory?

We debated whether to call this one a bag. It’s a flat clutch with the Birkin hardware. In fact, we think it’s the detachable flap and hardware from the new Birkin. But, it appeared handheld as a separate bag on the runway so… We guess it’s a new bag too!

Photo Credit: Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg via vogue.co.uk

Photo Credit: Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg via vogue.co.uk

Phone Holder with Strap

Called the Hermèsway, this accessorized many an ensemble in the show. Shown as a cell-phone holder with sections and pockets, it’s small, book-shaped with a long strap. On the runway, the strap was wrapped around wrists and the bag handheld. One section perfectly accommodates an Hermès Rouge lipstick in your favorite hue. Another provides space for credit card and cash.

Is it a bag or just a cell phone holder? We’ll let you decide.

Photo Credit: Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg via vogue.co.uk

Photo Credit: Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg via vogue.co.uk

As for the lipstick, there’s another place for that! Around the neck in the new Kiss Holder, a small tube-shaped leather pouch with a lariat. Consider it a lower-entry access point to the wonders of Hermès, perhaps to entice a younger or newer group of customers.