By Katya Foreman
BBC
Jan. 16, 2015
Born in the '80s, the Hermès Birkin bag has since risen to become the quintessential fashion accessory. Katya Foreman tracks its history. When it comes to handbag hierarchy, the Hermès Birkin – the ultimate status symbol in the arm-candy stakes, with a starting price around £5,600 ($8,500), rising every year – continues to rule the roost, as the prized possession of the deep-pocketed few. Victoria Beckham is rumoured to own around 100, costing around a cool £1.5m ($2.3m).