The Newest Hermès Bag Collector Obsession: The Birkin 20
Learn everything you need to know about the smallest Birkin bag, the Hermès Birkin 20, and its extraordinary demand among today's top collectors.
History of the Birkin 20
The Hermès Birkin 20 made its debut in 2019 as the Birkin 20 Faubourg, nicknamed the “House Birkin.” The bag was modeled after Hermès’ flagship store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris and marked the first time the Maison translated its storefront into handbag form. The front panels resemble the store’s windows and awning, crafted in five different leathers — Matte Alligator, Madame calfskin, Swift, Epsom and Sombrero — with remarkable precision.
The first two versions, Day and Night, offered contrasting color palettes in warm browns and deep blues. Each featured Orange H Swift awnings and a mini Hermès shopping bag that replaced the traditional clochette. The Birkin 20 Faubourg was produced in the structured Sellier style and immediately became one of the most talked-about mini bags in the world.
Since its release, Sotheby’s has sold nearly $5 million worth of Birkin 20 bags, a testament to the model’s rapid ascent from a novelty to a modern collector staple.
Key Takeaways: Hermès Birkin 20
| Factor | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Origin | Introduced in 2019 with the Birkin 20 Faubourg, a tribute to Hermès’ flagship at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. |
| Signature Models | Day, Night, Midnight, Snow and Rainy Days (2019–2024). |
| Rarity | Produced in extremely limited quantities and never available for open purchase in boutiques. |
| Market Popularity | Commands $150K–$250K on the secondary market; Snow edition once achieved $400K. |
| Collector Appeal | A miniature grail for Hermès collectors — Sotheby’s has sold nearly $5 million in Birkin 20 bags since 2021. |
The Birkin 20 Faubourg Series: Day, Night, Midnight and Snow
Hermès expanded the Faubourg series in 2021 with two new versions: Midnight (Minuit) and Snow (Neige). Midnight was crafted in black Matte Alligator with PVD hardware, a finish originally used in the So Black collection. The Snow edition is unique within the Faubourg line for its Matte Alligator body and Togo leather flap.
Retail prices ranged from about $30,000 to $48,000, but secondary-market values rose sharply. The Day, Night and Midnight models typically sell for $150,000 to $180,000, while the Snow Birkin 20 Faubourg has sold for as much as $400,000 in early 2022.
In 2024, Hermès released the Birkin 20 Faubourg Rainy Days, featuring cool gray tones and palladium hardware. At Sotheby’s Hong Kong in March 2025, a Birkin Faubourg Rainy Days bag sold for $203,200, a significant premium over the Birkin Faubourg Day sold in the same sale for $152,400. While earlier Faubourg bags remain highly desirable, the most serious collectors are now pursuing the newest limited editions as they emerge.
Exotic Birkin 20 Sellier: Alligator and Lizard Models
By 2023, Hermès extended the Birkin 20’s prestige into exotic Sellier variations crafted in Matte Alligator and Lizard. Unlike the architectural Faubourgs, these Sellier models focus on pure form—clean lines, structured edges, and a sculptural silhouette that highlights Hermès’ precision leather craft. They are produced in ultra-rare colors like Vert D’Eau, Gris Ciment, and Havane.
At Sotheby’s, these bags have proven to set the standard for the Mini Birkin category. A Vert D’Eau Matte Alligator Birkin 20 realized 889,000 HKD, followed by a Matte Alligator Gris Ciment Birkin 20 Sellier for 762,000 HKD, and a Black Lizard Birkin 20 Sellier for 600,000 HKD. In 2025, a Havane Alligator Birkin 20 realized $88,900, reinforcing the model’s price consistency even as broader luxury markets fluctuated.
These sales underscore that collectors continue to regard the Birkin 20 as an essential piece in any serious collection—compact, instantly recognizable, and nearly impossible to obtain at retail. Coveted for both their rarity and perfect proportions, these 20-centimeter bags distill the essence of the Birkin into a handheld masterpiece. To many collectors, they represent Hermès craftsmanship at its most refined and iconic.
Beyond Faubourg: The Next Frontier for the Mini Birkin
Although most Birkin 20s to date have been crafted from exotics, Hermès has begun experimenting with creative limited editions in leather. The Disco Birkin 20 Faubourg and Bouclerie Moderne Casaque Birkin 20 represent a new direction for the Maison — playful yet intricately executed. The Casaque, in Black Chèvre Chamkila, is embellished with beaded buckles inspired by Hermès equestrian motifs and paired with a matching scarf released the same year.
Collectors and specialists alike anticipate that Hermès will eventually introduce a Birkin 20 in Epsom or Chevre leather — the same materials that propelled the Mini Kelly 20 II to global icon status. Should that occur, experts predict secondary-market prices could reach three times retail within weeks of release. In an era defined by micro bags and museum-grade craft, the Birkin 20 stands at the intersection of luxury heritage and modern collectibility.
FAQs: Understanding the Hermès Birkin 20
How much does a Birkin 20 cost?
Retail prices for the Birkin 20 Faubourg start around $30,000 and can reach $48,000 depending on materials. At auction, rare editions like the Snow or Rainy Days models have sold between $150,000 and $250,000, with some exceeding $400,000 at their peak.
Why is the Birkin 20 so valuable?
Its value stems from its extreme rarity, multi-leather construction, and artistic concept modeled after the Paris flagship. As the smallest Birkin and the most complex to craft, it is viewed as a masterpiece of miniaturization and design.
What is the difference between the Birkin 20 and Mini Kelly 20?
The Birkin 20 has a structured Sellier shape with two handles and no shoulder strap, whereas the Mini Kelly 20 features a single handle and detachable strap. Both are coveted mini icons, but the Birkin 20 is rarer and typically commands higher prices.
Will Hermès produce a leather Birkin 20?
While Hermès has not officially released a standard leather version, collectors anticipate one based on the success of the Mini Kelly II. If introduced, it would likely become one of the most in-demand bags in the Hermès lineup.
Buy and Sell Hermès Birkin Bags with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of Hermès bags, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Hermès Birkin bags on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
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Shop handbags through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated handbag concierge. - Exceptional Value
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