Tuesday, April 22, 2008

the "It" Boy and the "It" Bag


The Boston Globe had an intriguing article on a new book that's coming out today that reveals how to get your hands on the elusive Hermès Birkin, as well as breaking all myths on the two-year waiting list that you have to wait on to get the bag.

"In his book, Tonello, 49, an Osterville native, reveals how he cracked the code for jumping the waiting list to purchase Birkins whenever he pleased. Naturally, this code has something to do with large amounts of cash. When Tonello first attempted to purchase a Birkin at Hermès, he was told that the store had none available. But when he later visited a store and spent thousands on Hermès merchandise such as scarves and jewelry, he found that stores would suddenly have the coveted Birkins in stock.

'I have seen this on more than one occasion,' he explains. 'Someone walks into Hermès, asks for a Birkin, and is told 'I'm sorry. We don't have any. There's a two-year waiting list.' Meanwhile, there is someone else in the store buying a dress, a blouse, or a pair of shoes and a wristwatch. They are pulled aside by a salesperson and told 'A client ordered a Birkin bag two years ago, and her bag has come in. She chose not to buy the bag. Would you be interested in seeing it?' Of course that woman is going to say yes. My book basically proves the waiting list is bogus.'"

And folks, I have seen it all! :p

I've wanted a Birkin for quite some time now, even though no, I do not have the discretionary income required to own such a bag. However, to know that Hermès is picking and choosing its clientele really shouldn't be a shocker either, considering how important image is to them. Better to sell to the client who will buy everything in the store than one who's been saving up for 2 years to get the cheapest, basic version of the bag, right? C'est comme ça!


Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag (Hardcover), by Michael Tonello - $17.13 at Amazon

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