When most think of fast fashion, they imagine garments like dresses, tops, and pants. However, accessories and bags fall in and out of trends and are just as harmful in fast fashion as other clothing items. The handbag industry has used unsustainable materials like animal skins for decades. But vegan bags do not have the same appeal as real leather. Who wants a plastic or ‘pleather’ bag when they could have one made from authentic leather? Customers want the best bag with the best materials and best craftsmanship. With this being the standard, how can high end bag designers keep their bags from falling into the fast fashion cycle? The main factors of a bag’s lifecycle are materials, manufacturing, distribution and transportation, maintenance, recycle, and waste management.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/jane-birkin-puts-personalised-herms-24474263
In 1984 actress and singer Jane Birkin met Jean-Louis on a plane ride where the two bonded over their love of luxury. They would later collaborate to design a bag that met the needs of function and accessibility with a stylish appeal. Thus, the iconic Hermès Birkin bag was created. Each bag is constructed by professionals and there is a code inside indicating the year, where it was made, and who made it. This bag has been displayed to show its clean and sleek lines but as shown through Jane Birkin and the Olsen twins, can be a worn in and customized to fit each customer’s lifestyle. Since its creation, the Birkin bag has held true to its prestigious title. But does it live through a cycle or a straight line to the trash?
A new faux leather has been introduced to Hermès and seems to be the best fit for a sustainable future in fashion. This material is synthetic fiber constructed out of fungi. The direct brand that Hermès collaborates with is called MycoWorks, with their product called Fine Mycelium. The company has found a way to take mycelium cells and grow them into fibers that create malleable textiles used in vegan products. Just because this material is not real leather does not mean it has decreased the value of Hermès products. This new leather is being specifically crafted for luxury. MycroWorks defines their product as being, “Like thickness. Strength. Texture. And Drape. Among other features” and creates “total creative control”. The transition to vegan products has been recognized by popular customers such as Beyoncé who has recently acquired a vegan Birkin bag.
https://www.veganfirst.com/article/mushroom-leather-bag-by-french-luxury-brand-herms-to-debut-soon
With Hermès going vegan, will their product maintain its appeal since changing its material? Many fear that the change of the material would not make this bag as elite as it was originally created to be. Though, their manufacturing has remained the same and continues to be elite. Beginning at the beginning of the brand creation, Hermès started by producing equestrian equipment to then expanding into making high end clothing and accessories. Hermès claims that they are still putting in the same amount of craftsmanship that has been around since 1837. This applies to their innovation with the Birkin bag, as the process of making a bag can take up to 48 hours. Hermès is setting a standard that going vegan can still be luxurious and properly manufactured, therefore more fashion houses are soon to follow.
What makes a Birkin bag so elite? With many designers producing a large array of high-end bags to choose from, Birkin bags have continued to be more sought after than other bags. When it was first created in 1984, Birkin bags retailed for $2,000. Today, a standard Birkin costs $10,000 and can cost up to $200,000. Hermès has made its brand so sought after, with customers caring more about the ability to get the bag than the price. They have done this by making the bags an opportunity and experience with only select brands carrying the Birkin bag. To even get a chance to own this bag, the customer must have a purchase history with Hermès. Additionally, the customer must be offered a bag. This is because the Hermès boutiques are given a variety of uniquely made bags, and do not know what bags each location will receive. Even if the customer has an idea of their idea bag, if they are offered any sort of Hermès Birkin, they are expected to take the offer. Each of their bags are uniquely crafted and is more a work of art than an accessory. This adds to the Birkin experience as the brand wants their customers to represent the morals and face of Hermès.
Will this bag ever go out of style? I believe that the Birkin bag will remain a sought-after luxury accessory. This bag embodies the idea of a classic and timeless piece that continues to gain customers no matter the age or price of this bag. As the Birkin gets older, the value increases making this bad a true investment piece. The Birkin continues to be used no matter its age because it gains the title ‘vintage’ and achieves a new level of value and uniqueness. Overall, this bag embodies the idea of a lifecycle instead of a static creation-to-waste lifespan with its ability to reinvent itself through the innovation of new luxury sustainable materials.
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