Men Embrace the Birkin: A New Era of Fashion
Jacob Godfrey, a 33-year-old digital marketing executive from Fort Greene, confidently carries his Birkin bag, whether he’s out for leisure or business. This trend, dubbed the “Man Birkin” movement, sees men embracing the luxury Hermès handbag, a staple once reserved for female fashionistas.
“It complements my outfits, and it’s really practical,” Godfrey said, referring to the $12,000 black box leather bag he shares with his wife, Sarah. He adds that his traditional masculine style pairs well with the elegant accessory.
The Birkin bag has long been a coveted item, especially after a historic auction saw one sell for $8 million earlier this month. Its allure has been amplified by its appearances in pop culture, notably in “Sex and the City,” where it was famously declared, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin.”
While women have traveled internationally to purchase these bags directly from Hermès, often at prices reaching $500,000, men are now proudly sporting them without concern for societal judgments about masculinity.
NYC stylist Turner Allen notes this shift in fashion. “Men have been embracing designer handbags over the past few years, partly for practical purposes, but mostly because they look really cool,” he explained. Celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles have been seen with these fashionable bags, showcasing their versatility.
“They hold your stuff,” Allen continued. “You can put your wallet, car keys, and water bottle in a Birkin instead of your pockets.” He suggests pairing the bag with vintage denim and an oversized blazer for a smart-casual look.
Allen, who runs Style Turner, a premium men’s styling consultancy, emphasizes the understated elegance of the Birkin. “Men are interested in signaling who they are and what they’ve accomplished through fashion,” he said. “What’s more prestigious than a Birkin?”
Musicians like A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott have also joined this trend, frequently seen with their own Birkins. Gunna received one as a birthday gift this summer, further solidifying the bag's status among male celebrities.
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather made headlines recently after spending $80,000 in just ten minutes on four bags, including three Birkins in various colors. Athletes like Christian McCaffrey and Stefon Diggs have also been spotted flaunting their Birkins at high-profile events.
Even NBA players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyle Kuzma have embraced this luxurious accessory. Steve Harvey turned heads at men’s fashion week in Paris with a black Crocodile Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag valued at around $100,000.
Godfrey and his wife purchased their Birkin Sellier 30 during a mini-honeymoon in Paris last fall. Sarah has always dreamed of owning one but appreciates sharing it with her husband. “The Birkin is an item that a lot of people just sit on the shelf and look at,” she remarked. “But I want ours to be used and worn as much as possible.”
Sarah, a fine-art specialist, celebrates the blurring of gender lines in fashion. “We’re losing the bifurcation of dressing,” she said. “It seems natural that men are now coming into our closet to grab great things like a Birkin.”
Godfrey enjoys the compliments he receives while wearing the bag. “New York City is the epicenter of culture, style, and ingenuity,” he stated. “I’m glad that I can fully express myself through my style.”
