"They sewed me with love... industrial" Exclusive interview with a disappointed Birkin

After years spent in the spotlight, in the hands of celebrities, influencers and obsessed collectors, a historic Birkin breaks the silence.

Disappointed, tired, aware of being more legend than luxury.

Exclusively, her truth.

Interviewer: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us. How are you?

Birkin: How do you want me to be? I was sold for 18,500 euros, locked in an air-conditioned closet for three years, and then exchanged for a Kelly as if I were just any bag. I need therapy, not an interview.

Interviewer: You were considered an icon. When did everything change?

Birkin: When I discovered the truth. I thought I was born in Paris, in a romantic atelier, between expert hands and skin pampered like a vintage wine. Instead, I discovered that some of my “sisters” have zippers produced on the other side of the world, metal parts mass-produced and finishes that, if we are honest, have never seen Provence.

Interviewer: But the company says that the bags are handmade in France…

Birkin: Oh, sure. “Handmade”… after half of my body arrived pre-packaged from overseas. It’s like saying that a soufflé is artisanal because you bake it at home, even if you bought it frozen at the supermarket.

Interviewer: Do you feel betrayed?

Birkin: Betrayed? I feel branded and abandoned. They used my name, my story, the myth of French savoir-faire… and then off they went, playing with global production, as if we were a pair of fast fashion sneakers. But with the price of a small car.

Interviewer: What would you say to the people who still want to buy you?

Birkin: Look at me. Look beyond the price, beyond the leather armchair in the shops, beyond the arrogant “Made in France” stamped in gold. Ask yourself: are you buying me, or the illusion of me? Because if you really want a French bag made with love, maybe you should talk to Claudine, the retired seamstress who works in the back room in Marseille. I am now a disillusioned diva.

Interviewer: Do you have a dream today?

Birkin: Yes. To go live in the countryside, with a collection of truly handmade artisanal bags. No more private jets, no more glass shelves. I just want someone who wears me because they love me, not because they show me off on Instagram.

The Birkin stands up, elegantly stiff, fastens her buckle in protest and walks away.

A tired icon, but finally free to be herself.

Even if, deep down, she still hopes that one day luxury will return to having a little more truth, and a little less marketing.

#birkindisappointed