Yesterday, I joined a friend in Toronto for a well-deserved day of perusing, shopping, and dining. There’s something about this time of year that makes such an experience so pleasant and exciting. I love seeing people all bundled up in their beautiful coats, gazing at the decorations in the stores and store windows, and hearing classic Christmas melodies float through the air. The first place my friend and I went to was Holt’s on Bloor. The store was of course, beautiful –and teeming with impeccably dressed women and men. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again… I gain enjoyment in observing people and how they express themselves sartorially. I guess you can say that I like to “people-watch” –much like my grandfather who likes to bird-watch. From my observations, I couldn’t help but notice how many more women, both young and old, have been sporting Birkin bags. My notes as follows:
Spotted: young bird
Plumage: head-to-toe black
Indigenous to: upscale designer boutiques; swanky bars
Handbag of choice: Hermes 30cm orange Birkin w/ gold hardware
Spotted: young bird
Plumage: red leather jacket; skinny jeans; thigh-high boots
Handbag of choice: Hermes 35cm black Birkin w/ gold hardware
Note to Self: have seen this bird before with 30cm lipstick red Birkin w/ gold hardware –boxing day, 2008
Spotted: older bird –possible mother of young chicks
Plumage: casual and classy jeans and cashmere sweater
Indigenous to: upscale designer boutiques; cafes; Yorkville
Handbag of choice: Hermes 30cm brown Birkin w/ gold hardware
Needless to say, these specimens were the highlight of my people-watching experience. Yes, I confess, I might be a little obsessed with handbags, but then again, what woman is not? I am partial to Hermes Birkin bags and Chanel bags. For me, my love affair begins with the craftsmanship and rich history that goes along with every Birkin or Chanel bag. I consider the Birkin and Kelly, both hand-crafted by Hermes, to be the ultimate blue chip investment. No bag will ever complete an outfit like these bags can. With the most basic Birkin starting at just about $10,000, it is not an option for everyone –which is why they are so alluring in the first place. For those that can afford it, it’s not just a simple matter of walking into an Hermes store and handing over your Amex. There’s usually a wait of at least a year, because each bag is hand-made and made by a single Hermes craftsman. Many will argue that it’s just a bag, but those who love quality, history, craftsmanship, and fashion, will argue otherwise. While I personally am in no position to parade around with a Birkin dangling from the crook of my arm (“SIGH”), I hope that one day, I will finally be able to afford my own Birkin and join the flock of those lucky women (and men) who can.
Indigenous to: upscale designer boutiques; swanky bars
Handbag of choice: Hermes 30cm orange Birkin w/ gold hardware
Spotted: young bird
Plumage: red leather jacket; skinny jeans; thigh-high boots
Handbag of choice: Hermes 35cm black Birkin w/ gold hardware
Note to Self: have seen this bird before with 30cm lipstick red Birkin w/ gold hardware –boxing day, 2008
Spotted: older bird –possible mother of young chicks
Plumage: casual and classy jeans and cashmere sweater
Indigenous to: upscale designer boutiques; cafes; Yorkville
Handbag of choice: Hermes 30cm brown Birkin w/ gold hardware
Needless to say, these specimens were the highlight of my people-watching experience. Yes, I confess, I might be a little obsessed with handbags, but then again, what woman is not? I am partial to Hermes Birkin bags and Chanel bags. For me, my love affair begins with the craftsmanship and rich history that goes along with every Birkin or Chanel bag. I consider the Birkin and Kelly, both hand-crafted by Hermes, to be the ultimate blue chip investment. No bag will ever complete an outfit like these bags can. With the most basic Birkin starting at just about $10,000, it is not an option for everyone –which is why they are so alluring in the first place. For those that can afford it, it’s not just a simple matter of walking into an Hermes store and handing over your Amex. There’s usually a wait of at least a year, because each bag is hand-made and made by a single Hermes craftsman. Many will argue that it’s just a bag, but those who love quality, history, craftsmanship, and fashion, will argue otherwise. While I personally am in no position to parade around with a Birkin dangling from the crook of my arm (“SIGH”), I hope that one day, I will finally be able to afford my own Birkin and join the flock of those lucky women (and men) who can.
For more information on the history and craftsmanship of a Birkin, watch this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oTtvhqA-KM (courtesy of CBC Television and Fashion File)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oTtvhqA-KM (courtesy of CBC Television and Fashion File)
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